Me … Retire?
Outside the Game
Me … retire?
A.J. Russo
Less than twenty percent of pre-boomers worked past their 65th birthday.
However, many recent surveys show that, over the next decade or two, 60 – 90 percent of today’s retirees will work past retirement age. And the reasons the boomers aren’t retiring are similar to those cited by athletes. After all, somebody retiring today at age 65 might live another 20 years. That’s a long time without money and career satisfaction.
Athletes who do the two-step cite that they can’t stay retired because they are still relatively young, lonely, miss the thrill and excitement of the sport, and/or are stressed by a professional transition.
In fact, so many athletes retire, then unretire for all or some of the above reasons, it’s hard to know who’s crying wolf.
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Early in March, after seventeen seasons in the NFL, legendary quarterback Brett Favre, who will go down in history as one of football’s greatest quarterbacks, announced his retirement from the Green Bay Packers. It was a heartfelt moment, as Favre tried several times to regain his composure before relenting to tears.
But this wasn’t the first time Favre spoke of retirement. There was a time, in 2005-06, when it felt like the happy-go-lucky gun slinger was running on empty, and fans were embarrassed, certainly stunned, at his ineffectiveness. After that season, he all but retired—then decided at the last minute to give it another try. Miraculously, 2007 was Favre’s renaissance, leading the Packers to the NFC Championship Game, falling only one point short of taking them to the Super Bowl.
Physically, Favre can still play. Leaving so many fans wondering if the man who built Lambeau will one day return.
Here is part of Favre’s retirement speech and what he really wanted to say.
“I know I can play but I don’t think I want to,” I know I can play, but what’s the chance of us going to next years NFC Championship Game anyway, said Favre, confirming his retirement at Lambeau Field. “It’s been a great career for me, but it’s over.” It’s been a great career for me, but it’s over until someone offers me a bundle I can’t refuse, or a team comes along who can give me the chance to take home the Trophy. “I can play but I’m not up to the challenge anymore.” I can play but I’m not up to the challenge of nurturing a bunch of rookie receivers anymore.
“As they say, all good things must come to an end. I look forward to whatever the future may hold for me.” Was that the phone ringing? Someone pick it up. Maybe Moss changed his mind.
Favre broke down several times as he talked about his decision to retire and thanked the Packer organization for giving him an opportunity to play quarterback.
“I hope that with every penny they’ve spent on me, they know it was money well spent,” he said. “It wasn’t about the money or fame or records.” It was all of these things. “I hear people talk about your accomplishments and things. It was never my accomplishments, it was our accomplishments.” And we were two short.
See you next season?
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