Why Can't Legends Stay with Their Teams?

This is a recollection of some of the legends who didn't stay with their teams. I have always wondered what would compel a legend to do so, and I still do today.

I hope this enlightens you to some legends you didn't know who left their franchises. Some people need to learn when to fold.

Although, many were forced to leave, not re-signed, or my personal worst traded. Some chose to stay longer than they should have.

Emmitt Smith to Arizona Cardinals

This was a mediocre signing for the Cardinals, although Smith was still a solid back.

If the Cardinals were looking for the late 90s tough Emmitt Smith who played through a game with one arm against the 49ers, then they where sadly mistaken.

Karl Malone to the LA Lakers

See, if Malone had ever won a championship, this mediocre attempt to get a ring would have never happened.

Gary Payton to the Lakers, Too?

Gary thought he could get one past me, but he didn't. He and Malone signed to the loaded Lakers in 2003-04. This was highly disliked among most fans, as it was seen for what it was.

And just when I thought karma was dead, the Lakers proved me wrong by not making the NBA Finals or if they did make it, not winning.

Wilt Chamberlain Leaves the NBA

Wilt left the league altogether. Hey, I guess after you dominate for two decades and score 100 points in a game, there isn't anywhere else to go.

The Dream with the Nightmare

Now this is a case of playing for too long. Hakeem was released by the rebuilding Rockets and signed with Toronto for a very eventful season.

From Broadway to Hollywood

Broadway Joe left New York after many successful seasons with the Jets. The reason he left: the Jets refused to resign him. LOYALTY.

The man gives your franchise its only Super Bowl win, and you waive him. Bullshit is what that is.

Scottie Tries to Make it Seven

After eight or nine years with the Bulls, Scottie Pippen leaves Chicago to try to make it seven rings. I'm not even going to say the word "loyalty" because that was Pippen's own doo-doo decision.

The Chief Gets a New Platoon

Who the HELL told Robert Parish it was a good idea to go to the Bulls? I'm just curious. He should have just retired.

Obviously, he was past his prime. He wasn't going to get a better deal than the one he had in Boston.

Rice in Seattle

I know this wasn't the first time he moved to another franchise. But even with the Raiders at least he was still effective.

This is just an example of a NFL player holding on TOO LONG.