Farewell tours have been trending in sports in recent years. Of
course, not any player can announce retirement and expect a valediction
across the league honoring career achievements. The player needs to be
special, mostly liked, and have had a career that deserves a eulogistic
farewell. These good-byes are usually accompanied with the idea of
"passing the torch" or a "changing of the guard" if you will. With each
legend hanging up their respective cleats, sneakers, or skates emerges a
new face that will grace our TV screens, fill the radio airwaves with
statistical debates, and inspire a whole new generation of sports
fanatics for the years ahead. Superstars from each major sport that
have just left the game or coming towards the end of their run will be
ranked and discussed against the new faces of each league and
association. This article may be inspired by thoughts of spring as it's
out with the old and in with the new.
The Old
1. Peyton Manning
Not
often is the idea"out with the old and in with the new" thrust so
obviously in our faces in this year's Superbowl. Peyton Manning's
waning, but already legendary career headed the news ticker of Superbowl
50. Meanwhile Cam Newton's brand has completely exploded onto the NFL
scene. The changing of the guard seems to be happening right in front
of our faces as the two generations squared off in an epic showdown.
But solely speaking of Manning here, his ticket to the Hall of Fame has
already been stamped. The 39 year old cerebral assassin is assuredly
one of the top quarterbacks to play in the NFL and arguably the best. A
second Superbowl ring has really put a nice bow on his career. If this
really was his walk off into the sunset, he really couldn't have done
it any better and with more class. There's few that have been more
respected and more liked in the game of football and less than few that
have been better all time.
Not often do fans get to cherish a career such as Woodson's. The
former Heisman trophy winner put together an NFL resume that spanned 18
years! Woodson's farewell tour just came to an end playing in his final
season of an incredible 18 year career and taking part in his last of 9
Pro Bowl games. The 39 year old safety was also a 3 time first-team All
Pro. Woodson has been quite the ambassador or the game and has been and
idol to many aspiring safetys an corners who wish to emulate his
dedication, intelligence and love for the game. News has already broke
that he will be joining ESPN's team of analysts. Many are looking
forward to hear his in depth take on a game he played so well.
3. Calvin Johnson
"Megatron's" career may have come to an end quite suddenly in some
fans' eyes but Calvin Johnson did not get his nickname from treading
lightly through his NFL career. Johnson was an absolute beast on the
football field physically and left it all out on the turf day in and day
out. He used that "Megatron" type build of his to punish anyone
unlucky enough to take on the challenge of covering him and did whatever
he could to reel in the pigskin. Repeated blows from opposing corners
and from the turf falling back to earth after almost inhuman vertical
leaps shortened what has been an incredible 9 year career in the NFL.
It's a shame to see him go maybe a few years too early, but he will go
down as one of the all time great wide receivers.
The New
1. Odell Beckham Jr.
OBJ's
first two years in the league could not have been more dynamic. In the
day and age of fantasy sports and emphasis on stats, Odell has captured
fans' imagination with electric flares of athletic prowess. His
incredible one-handed catches may be some of the best catches we will
ever see in the NFL. The stats are there as well of course, but the
modern day athlete and future athletes to come will have the added feat
of trying to separate themselves from numbers on a stat sheet. Odell
has already done that. The future could not be brighter for the New York
Giants wide-out even though it may be hard to top the theatrics he's
already archived in video databases everywhere.
2. Todd Gurley
The
St. Louis Rams picked Todd Gurley 10th overall in the 2015 draft to
basically fill the shoes of Stephen Jackson, which is who Gurley more or
less reminds me of. The 21 year old halfback put together a pro-bowl
caliber season in his rookie year and will rush the Rams into a
successful future. The move to L.A. will only enhance the deserved
spotlight on his blooming potential. The quarterback question in L.A.
looms large for the franchise and the future of this talent, but Gurley
seems to have what it takes to put the team on his back.
3. Derek Carr
Derek
Carr is another one of those young talents seemingly buried in the
sports quagmire that is Oakland Derek is only 24 and has only been in
the league for 2 years but had already shown substantial growth and
maturity. The California native seems to feel right at home in Oakland
as the Raiders have done a great job surrounding him with complimentary
young talent including Amari Cooper who could easily be mentioned on
this list as well. The future of Oakland as a home base seems bleak but
the franchise is definitely headed in the right direction with Derek
Carr slated to be at the helm for the foreseeable future.
NBA
The Old
1. Kobe Bryant
How much really needs to be said about the Black Mamba? The
lifetime L.A. Laker is currently on his farewell tour as teams all
around the league honor a spectacular 20 year career. The Philadelphia
native took the association by storm at the age of 18. There have been
highs and lows on and off the court during the illustrious career
including a jersey number change and sexual assault case but the
numbers were always steady. They speak for themselves and if more is
needed to credit him with one of the best careers of all time, the Black
Mamba also accrued 5 championship rings. One can go on and on about
all of his honors and awards. The bottom line is that Kobe has been one
of the best shooting guards to play the game and will be missed by many
when he steps off the court for the last time.
2. Tim Duncan
We are seeing a trend in this top three list. Once again,
Duncan here is a lifer. Playing in his 19th NBA season, all for the San
Antonio Spurs, Duncan has quietly been one of the most consistent
players in the game. The Spurs have always been an "under the radar"
team which doesn't help the quiet NBA Center get any exposure, but
that's his style. Duncan is very unlike Kobe in his fanfare but very
much like Kobe in his ring wear. Duncan dons five rings as well and his
accolades include 2 MVP awards (one more than Kobe). Flare may not be
his forte, but if anyone in the game should be emulated for work ethic,
respect, and humility, it should be Tim Duncan. Both Kobe an
Duncan can be interchangeable at the 1 and 2 ranks. You can't really go
wrong either way. Kobe gains the slight edge because his game-play was a
bit more dynamic.
3. Dirk Nowitzki
What
is this? Another lifer? The professional sports lifer is a dying breed
in the modern era of free agency and huge contracts. Yes, the Big
German Dirk has been a lifelong Dallas Maverick and will go down as the
greatest Maverick of all time. Now, Dirk doesn't have the rings that
the previously mentioned have, but he did secure one and he does have an
MVP award on his resume. Nowitzki is another prime example of
consistency over his career and can be considered a sort of fusion of
Kobe Bryant and Tim Duncan. Whether position as a forward or center,
the 7 footer can be a big presence in the paint, but can also take to
the perimeter to drain a jump shot or a three. Dual threats like him
are few and far between and highly sought after nowadays over the one
dimensional big man that used to dominate the NBA. Sure, the big man
from Germany may not be on the level of Duncan or the Black Mamba, but
he doesn't rank too far behind.
The New
1. Karl-Anthony Towns
Hailing from New Jersey, the 2015 number 1 overall pick has an
extremely bright future. Towns is part of this modern wave of big men
that includes the likes of Kristaps Porzingis. This new breed of big
man can move, shoot, rebound, and block. Towns has edged Porzingis in
most categories this year giving him an edge in rank. Porzingis just
happens to be a little more dangerous from the 3-point arch but both
have similar future potential. Towns does have better potential talent
surrounding him mainly from the presence of Andrew Wiggins on the same
roster. As long as they stay together in Minnesota, Towns and Wiggins
should gel in what could be a major dynamic duo in the NBA for years to
come.
2. Kristaps Porzingis
New
York is extremely excited about the potential the 4th overall pick in
the 2015 draft holds. Many who have seen him play during his short time
so far in the league compare him almost reluctantly to Dirk Nowitski. I
say "reluctantly" because the potential for his exceeds the talent of
Nowitski. Porzingis is slated as a true two way player and has been
pegged as a sort of anomaly that the league has never seen before. This
Latvian monolith stands at 7 foot 3 inches and weighs around 240
pounds. Usually a body built in such a way makes for a player that can
only handle one dimension of the game, but not in this power forward's
case. Porzingis has agility unlike any other big men ever seen which
allows him to keep up with almost anyone on defense and allows him to
get open more often on offense in which he's dangerous as well because
he also happens to be a big man that can shoot extremely well.
3. Andrew Wiggins
Wiggins
is mainly known for being the major cog in the trade that included
Kevin Love to the Cavs. The trade also made room for Lebron James who
was returning to Cleveland. The pressure of being compare to Lebron was
immediately thrust onto Andrew's shoulders and many critics believe
he's already a disappointment. Of course this sentiment is indubitably
unfair. Wiggins was the first overall pick in the 2014 draft and comes
will a complete skill set that should allow him to blossom into a top
shooting guard in the league for the Minnesota Timberwolves. Wiggins and
Towns have the potential to put Minnesota on the map in the NBA as long
as they can stick together.
The Old
1. Albert Pujols
Whether you like it or not, Pujols is in his twilight years. The 36
year old first basemen has been the premier all around player in the
league for years. Playing most of his prime years with the St. Louis
Cardinals, Pujols hit for power, average, and played an extremely
efficient first base. Even on the base-paths, you could say Pujols was a
threat because he knows the game so well and can completely break down
any situation on the field. Albert is now a true ambassador of the
game, setting the perfect example for baseball's up and coming youth.
2. David Ortiz
Big Papi has been one of the last generation's faces of baseball and
has announced that this will be his last season. I believe that even
Yankee fans will hold back a tear when seeing Ortiz stride up to the
plate for the very last time. You can say what you want about his HGH
suspension and that he's one dimensional for not being able to play the
field, but Big Papi has had a huge effect on the game and carried
himself with much class especially towards kids. Derek Jeter fans will
argue who is more clutch, but Ortiz is right up there for one of the
most clutch players ever to fill a batters box! When watching games we
will always come up with the most dramatic scenarios in our heads that
could win the game. Well, Big Papi would take those dreams and make it
reality more often than not. The soon to be 20 year veteran was
exciting as they come at the plate.
3. Torii Hunter
When a discussion about complete players surfaces, Torii Hunter always
comes to mind. Yes, Hunter is known more for his defense which is of
course justified as he swiftly dominated center field for years (and
later on, right field). When thinking of Torii most people will run a
highlight reel in their minds of countless times Hunter scaled the
center field wall to rob homers or run down what seemed to be an
unreachable fly ball, but the 17 year veteran was quite th threat at the
plate as well. This athletic completeness coupled with the fact that
he was also a true gentleman of the game (2009 Branch Rickey award
winner) makes Torii Hunter one of the best players of the latest
generation.
The New
1. Carlos Correa
The Astros' young shortstop hit the league with some hype of his own
and rightfully so. Like, Bryant he will be an offensive asset which
makes him even more valuable because of his position. Correa has also
been tagged with extraordinary defensive aptitudes well. Time will of
course tell, but the future of this 21 year old is as bright as can be.
2. Kris Bryant
Can
you break into the majors with anymore hype than this man had?
Baseball fans were salivating at the prospect of Bryant's splash in the
big leagues and he did not disappoint. Yes, he did slog a bit after a
fast start, but all in all he backed his hype and proved that he will be
a major force in the middle of the line up for years to come. The
talent that surrounds Bryant is vast as well which will only help the
slugger rise to stardom on the Cubs.
3. Jose Fernandez
The
Marlins' starting pitcher can still be considered for this futures list
because he's only put together one full season in the big leagues in 3
years so far. Tommy John surgery has stunted his young career, but he's
healed and is ready to embrace his potential stardom. The level that
he can bring the heat and get movement on the ball exceeds most others
in the game. The lefty is one of the most dynamic young pitchers toeing
the rubber and will be one of the most exciting to watch for years to
come.
NHL
The Old
1. Jaromir Jagr
Now it may be very assuming of me to forecast that Jagr is a year or
two away from retirement, but I just cannot exclude him from this list.
The timeless wonder incredibly enough is still playing in the NHL at
the age of 43 and is still playing at a very productive level currently
for the Florida Panthers. Jagr's career has spanner over 3 decades
beginning in 1990 at the age of 18! To be able to play a game that
ensues so much wear and tear on the body for so long is a feat in itself
and to play it on such a high level is something that any athlete of
whom has played any sport can respect. The Czhech Republic native truly
loves the game and has been one of the best scorers to ever grace the
ice whether it was in the NHL or the sporadic years he took his talents
to Europe when the NHL didn't want him. Never has his drive to playe
hockey wavered in his long, storied career and is something everyone
should aspire to.
This
20 year veteran can be considered one of the most well rounded players
to ever play the game. Being swift and agile, Iginla could also be a
physical presence on the ice. Both finding the back of the net and
setting the table were a part of his game. The 6-time All-Star has led
the league in goals, points, and many other categories over the course
of his career. Jarome has taken a back seat in the latter portion of
his NHL life but was the main man in Calgary for a decade and a half.
There aren't too many in hockey that have worn the "C" on their chest so
well.
3. Joe Thorton
One of the bigger presences on the ice, Thorton could take control of a
game all on his own. Always knocked for being on teams that were great
in the regular season, but scuffled in the post season, there is no
denying that Joe has been a team centerpiece-type talent. Like Iginla,
Thorton has been the face of a franchise. San Jose has been his home
for 11-plus seasons and has been most loved there. The 6-time All-Star
forward defined a decade of Sharks hockey and has prepare the next
generation of Sharks to take the reigns.
The New
1. Connor McDavid
The
Edmonton Oilers have been in the bowels of the standings for years and
every year there is hype on a new drafted prospect that never seems to
pan out whether because of injury or not being able to transfer skills
to the NHL. Well, Connor McDavid shouldn't be thrown into that pile.
Just by watching the 19 year old forward, you can tell that the kid's is
a different breed. Many consider him in the same ilk as Sidney Crosby,
but I believe the those making the comparison are secretly hedging that
he will be the Sidney Crosby that Crosby himself never really blossomed
into if that makes any sense. McDavid has already had a stint on the
IR which already makes the comparison eerily ironic. In any case, we
have already seen flashes of how electric he can be on the ice and
should become one of the premier goal scorers in the league. Connor
McDavid will be a huge game changer for years to come.
2. Aaron Ekblad
The
20 year old first overall pick in the 2014 entry draft is already
making a name for himself in his sophomore season. Last year Aaron took
home the Calder Trophy (rookie of the year) and yes, he's also already
taken part in his first All-Star game and looked like he fit right in
this year, so it's safe to say that this Florida Panthers defense-man
's career is off to a fast start. The young Ontario native is big,
agile, and a great shooter. There will be a long future of grateful
goalies lucky enough to have Ekblad skating in front of them and
offenses feeling fortunate to have him at the point.
3. Jack Eichel
Each of the major four sports has seen it's fair share of legends walk into the sunset in recent years, but each has a bright future to look forward to. The parameters unfortunately left out a few athletes that just miss the cusp such as Derek Jeter who has already been retired for over and season or guys like Jaimie Benn and Tyler Seguin from the Dallas Stars of whom are more of the NHL's immediate future, but did not fit in with the parameters of "the new." These rankings are absolutely not perfect especially in its parameters, but I believe it at least gives the reader an overall picture of the recent past and future of each sport.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I would like to thank my brother Eric and my friends Zach Schiff, Matt Ramsook, and James Potter for their input. It really helped on writing this column!
resources:
<www.espn.com>
<www.baseball-reference.com>
<www.basketball-reference.com>
<www.hockey-reference.com>
<www.football-reference.com>
<www.wikipedia.com>
<www.sports.yahoo.com>
image locations:
Kobe Bryant: <http://l.yimg.com/bt/api/res/1.2/wDEEiFbG6wiAIks58FcMcQ--/YXBwaWQ9eW5ld3NfbGVnbztmaT1maWxsO2g9NjM4O2lsPXBsYW5lO3B5b2ZmPTA7cT03NTt3PTk2MA--/http://media.zenfs.com/en_us/News/afp.com/Part-GTY-508480826-1-1-1.jpg>
Peyton Manning: <http://cdn.newsday.com/polopoly_fs/1.3584943.1331129306!/httpImage/image.JPG_gen/derivatives/display_600/image.JPG>
Todd Gurley: <http://arizonasports.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/ToddGurley_MA3.jpg>
Karl-Anthony Towns: <http://img.bleacherreport.net/img/images/photos/003/455/573/hi-res-c3607623f8bd391398c27b133ebbef3d_crop_north.jpg?w=630&h=420&q=75>
Torii Hunter: <http://www.posters.ws/images/415120/torii_hunter_2002_alcs_catch.jpg>
Connor McDavid: <https://media.giphy.com/media/1hUs9eVa9oYOA/giphy.gif>
No comments:
Post a Comment