Los Angeles Rams running back C.J. Anderson is perhaps the Super Bowl's most unlikely key contributor. It was six weeks ago he was released by the Oakland Raiders just a few days removed from signing with his hometown team, and a month before that the six-year veteran was cut by the Carolina Panthers after receiving only 24 carries in nine games played.

One could forgive Anderson for letting himself go physically after it appeared his NFL season was over in mid-December. It's not like the short, powerful runner has ever looked like a world-class athlete, either. He's listed at 5-foot-8, 225 pounds, the latter number of which many fans have called into question since he established himself as a breakout star on the Rams' run to the Super Bowl.

Not that Anderson is fazed by the criticism, of course, while he keeps churning out yards on the ground.

“Fat, thick, I don't care,” the six-year veteran told Pro Football Talk's Michael David Smith of how best to describe his much-discussed physique. “They have a tough time tackling me. Everybody who has a comment, just meet me in the hole. We'll see how that works out for you.”

Anderson reeled off three straight 100-yard rushing performances before the New Orleans Saints bottled him up in the NFC Championship Game. Still, he received 12 more carries than superstar teammate Todd Gurley, who's seen his impact wane since Anderson was signed on December 18.

It remains to be seen how Sean McVay will divvy up touches between the pair come Super Bowl 53, but one thing is for sure: Anderson, “fat, thick” or otherwise, will be a load for the New England Patriots to bring down.