farewell to good times past

as if the last two weeks weren't bad enough for sports in general, now comes the word that i have dreaded for the last year. I knew that Curtis Martin was going to retire, but having it finally happen still pains me. i can no longer harbor hope of a miraculous come back. my favorite player in the NFL is gone. i would like to say thank you Mr. Martin for all your years of hard work and sacrifice. thank you for carrying the team i love upon your shoulders, and never once complaining. there were never any trade demands, hold outs, arrests, nightclub brawls, or anything else that would embarrass your fans. you labored to be the very best at your profession in the off season, and you played through pain that would have made others quit during the season. yet you never sought the recognition that you so richly deserved. you weren't the type to shamelessly self promote, as most of your former peers seem to do. with you there was never, "the i gained three yards on second and two" celebrations, no it was class all the way. in times of turmoil like this, it was especially nice to watch a true professional go out and play the game he loved, the way it should be played, with passion, heart, courage, toughness, skill, grace, and respect. you were truly the class of the league, and you will be missed. thank you Curtis Martin, and may you achieve as much in your further endeavors as you did as a player.

R.J.B.