After numerous years of training, injuries and practicing all towards perfection. Wait… Practice? Yes, Come on man, we’re talking about practice. Practice of the technique and strategy for the game, the heart of a champion shows especially when it comes closer to being the end. Nothing last forever and for the many sports, passions and career fields there are multiple stages where someone can go out on top, and be happy with it. Here are some similar stages:
Show Them “The Truth”
Kobe “The Black Mamba” Bryant: Lakers icon retired not with winning a championship but with his game saying it all. Bryant went out, after previously facing repeated injuries, selling out high priced tickets and with a 60 point game against the Utah Jazz. Playing like his old self, his teammates and on watchers encouraged Bryant to show his style of play, take control of the game, and ultimately bring forward a win. While his formal teammates and fans looked along, the world was stunned. O’Neal spoke for the world when saying “I challenged him to get 50, that mothef***er got 60.”
“Still Got It”
Peyton “Omaha” Manning: After numerous years in the NFL with his impressive audible play calling ability, especially with the Colts, a Denver Broncos player made history while showing he can compete with the best of them. Quarterback Peyton Manning will be remembered for his final performance in Super Bowl 50 as the oldest starting QB in Super Bowl history. After missing a few games due to injury, Manning came back around just in time to lead his team to a Championship over the dual threat QB Cam Newton and the then undefeated Carolina Panthers 24-10.
“Speaking Into Existence”
Ray Lewis: The Baltimore Ravens had a player that knew it was his last ride, and he made sure everyone was on board for the ending. Ray Lewis, a dominant outspoken Linebacker for the Ravens led an aggressive defense to Super Bowl 47 against the 49er’s 34-31 in a hard fought battle. Lewis to the league was, to keep it short, a “head hunter”. A threat on the defense to offensive players always ready for contact. It wasn't only his dance moves but his passionate speech telling motivated his teammates and was even exemplified on the intro on Madden 13.
“What If”
Marshawn “Beast Mode” Lynch: In Super Bowl 39 this dominant running back is the one no one would have ever second guessed. After many hard fought games running through defends and leaping in the end zone with his crotch in his hand, Lynch will be remembered as the one that should have got the ball when it mattered most. In the Super Bowl against an All-star New England Patriots team, Lynch played his part and did his job all the down to the one yard line where to America seemed like the simplest decision to give it to your powerful back, but that was not the decision. After an interception on the one yard line, Seattle fans and football fans national wide are left to wonder, “ What if Beast Mode would’ve had the ball?”
“Moving Forward”
Skip Bayless: After nearly 12 years on First Take, and 23 years on various shows on the network, Skip Bayless said his farewell to sports watchers nationwide and to his debate partners on ESPN. After the NBA Finals where LeBron James won his third title, it was also a special final day for this journalist icon. He left with no fear of mentioning how “to [that day] [he] has never lost a single debate on [the] show.” A fancy way of saying, “I was the best.”
