I don't suppose it is easy to retire before you are ready. What may make it even more difficult is if it is a money issue characterizing why you don't want to retire but are pretty much forced to do so. Equally difficult, I suppose, is if you still have a passion for your job and/or the company you work for.
The next stop for former Pittsburgh Steeler Wide Receiver Hines Ward may well be Canton, the NFL Hall of Fame. Detractors may say that his stats don't warrant that stop compared to some of the other receivers who haven't made it. Forget the rings and Super Bowl MVP, I'm really not writing this to debate that subject. Besides, I'm a bit biased. Hell, if I was an NFL Wide Receiver ... I'd probably want to be Mr. Hines Ward. Then again, I'm a Steeler guy.
It is hard to feel bad for a guy that has made more money than myself at this juncture of life, yet he is pretty easy to praise for how well he did his job. I look at life & sports in a similar fashion at times and ask one question which can define both:
"Would you want that person on your team? Would you want that person in your life?"
Okay, that was two questions.
If the answer is yes to both those questions, that is a good start. But Hines Ward was and is more than a good start. Hines Ward is what is right about the game of football. I don't know him beyond that. But that smile always kind of told me he was more than likely what is right about life as well.
Think about it. He's tough, clutch, a team guy, not afraid to get hit or hit, and kept under the radar for the most part until the game was actually played. That's a good way to live life and play football in my opinion.
I would want Hines Ward on my team, in any generation. I would want Hines Ward in my life ... especially considering he could flip the bill for some rather mischievous bar tabs;)
While you will always be Black & Gold to me, that red that you bleed and that smile you breath will never be forgotten. Life & Football was better with you in it. The former goes on.
RIR, my man. You've earned it. I apologize that it wasn't your decision alone.
Yours Truly,
Jason Michael Sardi
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