Jerry Rice’s announcement of his retirement from professional football yesterday brought an end to a 20-year career that saw the three-time Super Bowl-winning receiver break dozens of records. Rice made the decision after finding himself struggling to be the third receiver on Mike Shanahan’s Broncos squad. While he may have made 13 Pro Bowl appearances, and was capable of rushing for over 1000 yards only three or four seasons ago, it appeared that age finally caught up with him.
Within hours of his announcement, the sports pundits – that hypocritical pack of hyenas – descended upon Rice as a has been, a great player who stayed past his Expired By date. “[Rice’s] football legacy deserves better than the prospect of standing on the sideline in street clothes,” wrote ESPN’s Gene Wojciechowski. “There is no dishonor in quitting.” According to Wojciechowski, it was Rice’s “vanity, ego [and] unwillingness to accept the obvious,” that caused him to play the last few seasons.
But Rice’s comments after announcing his retirement reflected anything but egomania and denial. “I feel like it’s time now…I came here to compete for that third position and I gave it my best shot. And it didn’t happen. I want to be out on the football field.”
“It was real difficult,” he added. “I’ve had this routine for so many years and this has pretty much been my livelihood … I committed myself to football for so many years.”
It is heartless of sports pundits to expect someone to retire ‘gracefully’ at the top of his or her game, especially when most star athletes are barely in their thirties when that time comes. (Imagine if Tony Kornheiser and Skip Bayless and half the geezers on Around the Horn were forced into retirement today. I would love to see their reactions.)
When to end a career is always a difficult decision for a star athlete. Those who retire early are labeled burnouts. On the flip side, there are those who show remarkable resiliency and are able to resuscitate a faltering career. But you have got to admire the few – the Jerry Rices, David Robinsons, Andre Agassis and Rickey Hendersons – who demonstrate an unrequited love for their sports and for healthy competition, long after their careers have peaked. The 35-year-old Agassi is currently competing in his twentieth U.S. Open and has reached the quarterfinals. Robinson managed to win a second NBA title in his final season, years after he had stopped becoming his team’s best player. And at 46, Henderson continues to steal bases for the San Diego Surf Dawgs of the Golden Baseball League.
Rice’s critics should be lauding him for continuing to hold his own against younger opponents, rather than failing to consistently catch touchdown passes in his last few seasons. I think Wojciechowski got it all wrong. Rice has shown us that there is honor in perseverance. He has demonstrated in his lengthy career a true passion for football. Rather than tarnishing his career, he embellished it. Screw the 38 records. I think that Rice’s commitment and longevity automatically qualify him for the Hall of Fame.
Within hours of his announcement, the sports pundits – that hypocritical pack of hyenas – descended upon Rice as a has been, a great player who stayed past his Expired By date. “[Rice’s] football legacy deserves better than the prospect of standing on the sideline in street clothes,” wrote ESPN’s Gene Wojciechowski. “There is no dishonor in quitting.” According to Wojciechowski, it was Rice’s “vanity, ego [and] unwillingness to accept the obvious,” that caused him to play the last few seasons.
But Rice’s comments after announcing his retirement reflected anything but egomania and denial. “I feel like it’s time now…I came here to compete for that third position and I gave it my best shot. And it didn’t happen. I want to be out on the football field.”
“It was real difficult,” he added. “I’ve had this routine for so many years and this has pretty much been my livelihood … I committed myself to football for so many years.”
It is heartless of sports pundits to expect someone to retire ‘gracefully’ at the top of his or her game, especially when most star athletes are barely in their thirties when that time comes. (Imagine if Tony Kornheiser and Skip Bayless and half the geezers on Around the Horn were forced into retirement today. I would love to see their reactions.)
When to end a career is always a difficult decision for a star athlete. Those who retire early are labeled burnouts. On the flip side, there are those who show remarkable resiliency and are able to resuscitate a faltering career. But you have got to admire the few – the Jerry Rices, David Robinsons, Andre Agassis and Rickey Hendersons – who demonstrate an unrequited love for their sports and for healthy competition, long after their careers have peaked. The 35-year-old Agassi is currently competing in his twentieth U.S. Open and has reached the quarterfinals. Robinson managed to win a second NBA title in his final season, years after he had stopped becoming his team’s best player. And at 46, Henderson continues to steal bases for the San Diego Surf Dawgs of the Golden Baseball League.
Rice’s critics should be lauding him for continuing to hold his own against younger opponents, rather than failing to consistently catch touchdown passes in his last few seasons. I think Wojciechowski got it all wrong. Rice has shown us that there is honor in perseverance. He has demonstrated in his lengthy career a true passion for football. Rather than tarnishing his career, he embellished it. Screw the 38 records. I think that Rice’s commitment and longevity automatically qualify him for the Hall of Fame.
