Thanks for the memories...

So, this morning, I make my coffee and flip to ESPN.com, where I see this story:

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2793551

Anyone who knows me quickly recognizes that I'm a huge Broncos fan and a die-hard Royals fan. And for some reason, seeing Jake Plummer's retirement struck a chord with me. I never was the biggest Plummer fan, but I feel like as an individual he was atypical of the spoiled, petulant NFL players we seem to hear so much about. I think most of this clearly sentimental attachment to Plummer's retirement stems from his close friendship with Pat Tillman (if you don't know Pat Tillman or his story, look it up, you'll be glad you did). And I somehow want to think that the two (former college teammates) shared the same goals, ideals and certainly worldly perspective.

So, Jake, I just wanted to thank you for several years worth of great memories. I'm sorry that as a Broncos fan I submitted to the popular Broncos Nation idea that you wouldn't ever take the team to a title. So many fans wanted, hoped, that you would be this perfect, infallible championship leader and when you fell short of these monumental expectations we, as fans, quickly turned on you, giving our praise to the untested rookie. More than the all-to-public failures though, I am grateful that you played the game as passionately as anyone ever has, and that's you're enduring legacy in my eyes. I'm a little sad seeing you leave the game now, but you did it on your terms, and I sure hope you don't come back. Good luck in whatever you do next, and thanks for several great years.