Sports Stars We Never, Ever Want to See Retire
As I just turned 31 years old last weekend, it got me thinking about some of the great athletes I remember watching while growing up.
You see, the players who are in the twilight of their pro careers now are guys I watched while they were still in college or not even on the radar.
Unfortunately, one thing that always wins in life is Father Time, so while we'll have to wave goodbye to these players at some point, many fans never, ever want to see these sports stars walk off into the sunset.
Julio Franco
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OK, so former MLB player Julio Franco might not be a superstar anymore, but that doesn't mean it's not cool to see the 57-year-old still playing professional baseball—albeit out of the majors.
After a story came out about the former three-time MLB All-Star on ESPN.com about the love he has for the game, it got me smiling ear-to-ear to see that Franco isn't about the paycheck or fame, he just appreciates the game.
Here's to Julio continuing to play until he's forced to have someone run the bases for him.
Jarome Iginla
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Although he has never won a Stanley Cup, longtime NHL right-winger Jarome Iginla isn't short on accomplishments.
Competing for his native Canada in two Winter Olympics and earning multiple individual accolades—two Richard Trophies and three All-Star selections—Iginla has meant as much to Canadian hockey as anyone in recent memory.
After contributing to the Colorado Avalanche last season with 29 goals and 30 assists, the 38-year-old may appear to be nearing the end of his career in terms of age, but he's shown that he's got plenty of good hockey left in him.
Jim Furyk
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He doesn't quite receive the same acclaim that players like Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson do, but Jim Furyk is still one of those guys that spectators just need to root for.
One of the nicest guys on the PGA Tour, Furyk continues to show that he's every bit as good as the younger players who are emerging in the game of golf, as he's currently ranked No. 7 in the world. He won one tournament and finished in the top-10 seven times this year.
Furyk may have a funky swing, and he may not talk much, but he competes with the best of them, and his presence would be missed.
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Vince Wilfork
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After moving from the New England Patriots to the Houston Texans this past offseason, behemoth defensive tackle Vince Wilfork has started a new chapter in his NFL career.
And for all of us who watched Hard Knocks, it appears to be one hell of a fun chapter.
While Wilfork is 33 years old and in the twilight of his career, he looked rejuvenated on the show, instantly bonding with All-Pro defensive end J.J. Watt and becoming a leader for the Texans.
After winning two Super Bowls in his 11 seasons with the Pats, the big man is hoping for one more championship run in Houston.
Ichiro Suzuki
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He's not the player he once was—that tends to happen with age—but Ichiro Suzuki is still known as one of the most electric players to ever step onto a baseball field.
For those of us old enough to have seen Ichiro in his prime, Suzuki had a love for the game that had to be admired by fans no matter what team they were supporting, as well as a hitting prowess never before seen.
Currently hidden on a bad Miami Marlins team, Ichiro might not get the recognition he once did with the Seattle Mariners or New York Yankees. But sitting just 68 hits away from 3,000 in his MLB career, you better believe the former AL MVP will be heard from once he reaches that historic plateau.
Kevin Garnett
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There's something about Kevin Garnett that fans just can't help but adore.
Maybe it's his unending passion for the game of basketball or his blue-collar style. Whatever it is, KG has certainly remained the Big Ticket.
Garnett, a former NBA champion, MVP and 15-time All-Star, helped pave the road for players who jumped from the preps to the pros, showing that a guy could be successful even if he was still just 18 years old.
A pioneer and future Hall of Famer, even at 39 years old, he's playing with the same energy he always has.
Paul Pierce
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You can't mention Kevin Garnett without talking about his former Boston Celtics teammate and longtime friend, Paul Pierce, who also refuses to be shooed out of the NBA by Father Time.
While The Truth didn't put up eye-popping stats with the Washington Wizards last season—averaging 11.9 points in 73 games—he proved his worth in the playoffs, where he nearly single-handedly led the Wizards into the Eastern Conference Finals with clutch baskets.
Pierce recently signed with the Los Angeles Clippers to rejoin his former Celtics coach, Doc Rivers, so who knows, maybe he has some more theatrics in him.
One of the fiercest competitors of the past 15-plus years, Pierce is a big-time addition for the Clippers in their quest for a title.
Charles Woodson
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Can you believe it's been 17 years since Oakland Raiders safety Charles Woodson won the Heisman Trophy with the Michigan Wolverines? It's honestly ridiculous to me.
In all those years, though, Woodson hasn't really lost a step. He's still playing well in the NFL and hoping to help turn things around for the Raiders.
While Woodson may be out after dislocating his shoulder in the team's Week 1 loss, I have a feeling he'll return with the same skill he has always played with. That's good news for Oakland, because the guy had a career-high 81 tackles in 2014 and is the only player in NFL history with 50 interceptions and 20 sacks.
Adam Vinatieri
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Kickers might not get a whole lot of love, but when a guy has four Super Bowl rings on his finger—and he won two of them with game-winners in the closing minutes—I'd say he deserves some praise.
That's why the Indianapolis Colts' Adam Vinatieri lands here, because he's been the most clutch kicker the NFL has ever seen.
Vinatieri is an ageless wonder who is still kicking for a team with Super Bowl aspirations at 42 years old. He's a surefire Hall of Famer and the man behind some of the biggest kicks in NFL history.
Kobe Bryant
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Go ahead and say that Kobe Bryant is arrogant, a bad teammate and selfish, guess what, so was Michael Jordan. And, just like Jordan, Kobe has proven that his desire to win is both his best and worst attribute.
That's what makes it so hard to see Bryant wilt away on a bad L.A. Lakers team, because fans know that The Black Mamba has zero chance of ever winning another NBA title in purple and gold.
While he has handcuffed the Lakers more than a few times thanks to his demands and decisions, Kobe is the perennial villain whose charm just sort of hooks fans. The league won't be the same without him.
Jaromir Jagr
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The eldest statesmen on this list not named Julio Franco, Jaromir Jagr seems to be the exact same player he was 20 years ago, when he played for the Pittsburgh Penguins. He just doesn't have that whack mullet anymore.
Playing for both the New Jersey Devils and Florida Panthers last season, Jagr managed to score 17 goals and assist on 30 more. In the process, he proved that he can keep up with the young guns in the league—even at 43 years old.
A hockey legend who, like a fine wine, seems to only get better with age, Jagr epitomizes what's great about the sport. It's easy to see why he's such a fan favorite.
David Ortiz
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In the past 12 years or so, has there been a baseball player who has provided more theatrics than David Ortiz? I'll just answer that for you: No.
One of the game's most clutch hitters, Big Papi has become a cult figure and living legend in Boston, helping the Sox break the Curse of the Bambino in 2004 and guiding the team to two more World Series titles after.
After belting his 500th career homer this season, Ortiz will end up in Cooperstown at some point. But here's to hoping it's not for a long time, because it's a joy to watch his energy.
Tim Duncan
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It's pretty ho-hum at this point to see another NBA season with Tim Duncan leading the San Antonio Spurs to 50-plus wins and challenging for another NBA title.
That's just how it goes for The Big Fundamental these days, as he's still the face of one of the most successful sports franchises of the past 15 years.
Duncan doesn't say much, but his play has done the talking for him since he entered the league as the No. 1 overall pick in 1997 before winning five NBA titles and making the Spurs one of the surest annual bets to make the playoffs.
It will be strange seeing the newly signed LaMarcus Aldridge in the post without Duncan whenever Timmy calls it quits.
Peyton Manning
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Go ahead and make your argument for the best passer in NFL history, but according to my own two eyes, there hasn't been anyone greater than Peyton Manning.
He's broken or is on pace to break a ton of league records, and the five-time league MVP brings energy and skill to the game that is unmatched. He's known for his precision in nearly everything he does, from his throws to practice habits and film study.
In addition to his physical skills, Manning is one of the brightest quarterbacks ever. He's capable of shredding defenses, thanks to his knowledge of schemes.
There are other young passers like Andrew Luck ready to take over for Peyton, but he'll forever be tops in my book.
Roger Federer
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In the words of Tina Turner, 17-time Grand Slam champ Roger Federer is "simply the best!"
As incredible as Federer is at tennis, he's an even bigger star off of the court—which is pretty remarkable—as he's a fan favorite even as the greatest champion in his sport. The fans have never turned against him in all of his success.
Named a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador years ago and treating tennis fans to some of the best matches ever, Federer is the definition of class, and the sport won't be the same without him.
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