Since the conclusion of the Super Bowl there have been a handful of questions or concerns stemming from the game. The vast majority of these are too ridiculous to address, but there is one that should clearly be at the forefront.
Peyton Manning’s less-than-impressive Super Bowl performance raised many eyebrows, as well as rumors, as one of the NFL’s best was picked apart before our very eyes Sunday evening. Ever since, there have been whispers in the shadows concerning Manning and whether or not he should retire – the most impactful post-Super Bowl consideration.
Now, I would like to mention beforehand that I think that some of this talk is premature. The man had a record year, capped-off by an MVP trophy; there was no talk of his leaving the game following his seven-touchdown victory against the Ravens.
Nevertheless, these rumors call to attention one of the most difficult decisions in the life of an athlete: when to call it quits. The decision of when to hang ‘em up is a tough one, riddled with conflicting emotions.
One of the best ways I have heard this decision put is that you would always rather your exit be mourned than welcomed. That is to say, it is always better to leave when you will be missed, as opposed to your departure being welcomed by the fans.
A prime example of a mourned departure is that of Michael Strahan, who left the game, many would say, earlier than he had to in order to ensure that his body would hold up in life after football. An honorable approach, and probably the intelligent decision, but convincing an athlete he has played his last game is typically not as easy as Strahan exhibited.
The poster child for indecision in this regard is Brett Favre, whose retirements and returns were so numerous and confusing that professional football would have been better off instituting Paul Revere’s lantern approach to signify Favre’s status.
Manning is a shoe-in for the Hall of Fame, and is already considered one of the greatest signal-callers to ever don a helmet. That being said, were Manning to overstay his welcome would he run the risk of tarnishing that reputation?
Again, I maintain that this talk is premature for Manning. Sure, his final performance was less than what we have come to expect, but the previous 19 proved enough to earn him his fifth MVP.
Until this is no longer the trend, maybe someone should determine how many lanterns signify “staying” and put it a Mile High.
0
0
Be First to Comment