As kids growing up in the late 1990s and early 2000s, our role models included some of the greatest athletes of all time. Their careers started roughly about the same time as were were starting kindergarten. We have spent our entire lives watching these men and women play the game they loved. We looked up to them. We strived to play like them. We wanted to be them.
However, all good things must come to an end. That end is now.
As we are 20-somethings, these athletes' 20-something year careers are coming to a close. We are seeing more and more of our role models retiring, and let me tell you, it's not easy.
I'll be the first to admit that the day Peyton Manning retired, I sobbed hysterically. I was a basket case all day long. For as long as I can remember, Peyton has been one of my biggest role models. Seeing him say goodbye to the game that not only he loved, but that I loved, broke my heart. I still cannot fathom the fact that I will never get to spend another Sunday cheering on the greatest quarterback of all time. No one will ever replace The Sheriff.
This past week, we watched as Kobe Bryant shocked everyone with a 60-point game, which would also be his last. He left his entire heart and soul on that court, and it showed. The Black Mamba is one of the greatest players to ever wear a Lakers jersey. He's someone who kids wanted to be when they were playing junior pro basketball in elementary school. I can assure you all of those kids who are now young adults had a pain in their chest and a tear in their eye when they watched Kobe walk off the court for the last time.
In 2014, Derek Jeter played his last game in the number two jersey. This shattered the hearts of millions, as so many young people like myself had grown up with Jeter as their hero. He was the best shortstop Major League Baseball has ever seen. He was the shortstop we wanted to be. It was unbearable to see The Captain walk away. RE2PECT.
Just two years before, Chipper Jones hung his hat up as well. In fourth grade, all I wanted for Christmas was a Chipper Jones jersey. To this day, it's still one of my favorite presents I've ever received. As almost everyone's favorite Brave, he was a guy many kids looked up to, as well.
We've had to watch so many other legendary athletes such as Shaquille O'Neal, Ray Lewis, Jeff Gordon, David Beckham, Jennie Finch, and Abby Wambach play their final games. We're going to experience another heartbreak at the end of next baseball season when Alex Rodriguez retires.
We saw these athletes both start and finish their careers. Watching your heroes say goodbye and walk away forever is a pain that is truly indescribable. They forever changed the game, and we cannot thank them enough for the impact they left. All the trophies, titles, records, and rings will never compare to the influence they had on our lives. We are and always will be their biggest fans.
