For The Love Of The Game

It’s really kind of funny how some things come together… and here are a couple of them. (No pun intended, you’ll see why.)
[One of my favorite movies, probably ever, but has very little to do with this post.]

Today there were 2 major retirements; Peter Forsberg and Ronaldo.

Both outstanding players are, well were, some of the greatest in their respective sports. They played the game with great passion and respect that was palpable as we watched from afar. They adored the mental, physical, and emotional grind that comes with the fame and the game. And it brings both these men to tears to say that they will not be able to continue competing.

After being away from the NHL for 3 years, Forsberg came back to the game because of love, and he’ll leave due to the same exact reason. He made a promise to his wife to-be that he would not put his health at risk. Classic Foppa; loyal as they come.

Ronaldo is a worldwide icon and Brazilian hero. A lot like Forsberg he was forced to hang it up after physical ailments hinders the back-end of his career. And who did he retire from, Corinthians Soccer Club…

“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.”

- 1 Corinthians 13

Happy Valentine’s Day everyone….

Foppa Should Stoppa

One of my favorite personal sports moments of all time came at Invesco Field at Mile High. And it had nothing to do with the Broncos.

So we’re walking out after the game and there are religious mavericks with Christ trademarked megaphones. They yell ‘Jesus Saves’, and right on cue, in perfect Alan Roach tone somebody says ‘And Sakic scores on the rebound’. Classic.

That reminiscent moment brings me back to the golden days of Avalanche hockey and the Peter Forsberg comeback.

If you have watched the first games of his return to the league where he gained fame and fans adornment, then you probably feel a lot like me, disappointed. Forsberg appears tentative, sluggish, and unproductive.

And I feel bad for the guy. All he wants to do is play hockey, and play it well. But at 37 years young his body, bad foot and all, won’t let him do what his mind thinks is still possible. The game has moved on and sadly, so should Peter the Great.

[And that gets me thinking… how personalities, both good and bad, get extended media coverage and everyone suffers.]