Feb 27 2006
When one’s competitive edge goes too far (or Memo to Jerry Rice: Please reality quit TV shows)
Jerry, there is no doubt that part of what made you a great football player -first ballot hall of famer- was your extremely rigorous workout routine and your competitive fire. But eventually age catches up with us all, and you are no exception. It’s amazing that you’ve lasted in the NFL for 20 years when most wide outs last only 5. So now that you’re done with football how will you feed that competitive fire? Coaching? Become a partial own of a sports franchise?
Wait, reality TV?!
Well…congrats Jerry on your second place finish in Dancing with the Stars. I raised an eye brow at first, but then I sort of understood that the competition probably drew you in, and you wanted to show the world that you were still quick on feet. Mission Accomplished. Now you can go away and enjoy your family like you said you would after retiring from the Denver Broncos. I hope you have a good life and I’ll see you in Canton in five years.
Wait…what? Another Reality TV show?!
Jerry, you really don’t need to do this, right? Now I’ll see you on Spike TV’s Pros vs. Joes? Jerry, are the best wide reciever of all-time! Even in your 40’s you’ll wipe the floor with these average wanna-bes trying to re-live the glory days of high school and college years gone by. And let’s say one of them actually beats you, what then? Many will think you’ve embaressed yourself on national cable television.
But even if that happens (and I doubt it will) we’ll likely forgive and forget. Many sports fans remember watching Willie Mays stumble around in the Mets outfield trying to hold onto his glory days a bit too long, but that image fades in favor of one where Willie catches a ball over his shoulder for the Giants.
I’m sure that this too will fade away and we’ll remember your catch on Monday Night Football against the Bronocs after your comeback from knee surgery. Just make sure I don’t see you on next year’s Survivor. Please.
it could be worse he could go on American Idol along with Carl Lewis click here to see what that would sound like…. the sad thing is that he’d probably win that
Sadly, it’s too late for Jerry. On the other hand, what the heck are you going to do after retiring from a paradigm-shifting career? Open a restaraunt?
Robyn’s all excited about the Spike show - it hadn’t occured to me to watch it. But now I guess I will. And I’ll laugh, and cry, and kiss 1 hour a week goodbye.