While much was made Wednesday about Tiki Barber’s possible retirement at the end of the 2006 season, nobody should be too shocked over Barber’s future plans.
Barber is 31 years old now, and despite his continuing success at his position, this is normally the time in a running back’s career when his stock dramatically plummets. Barber has been quoted several times in the past few months that he is considering hanging up his cleats no later than the conclusion of the 2007 season.
Personally, I think what Barber is doing is admirable. He knows that the end is coming and he has basically been planning this move his entire career. Barber has become a huge celebrity in New York and has been working on side projects like broadcasting and even Broadway acting to take the place of his football career. I applaud him for wanting to leave on a high note. Too many times as fans, we see stars like Jerry Rice and presently Brett Favre, hang around to the point that it’s uncomfortable watching these players struggle to get out of the league.
On the other hand, it has to be extremely difficult leaving the sport that you have loved since you were a child. And therefore, we as fans have no right to determine when a player wants to call it a career.
I just hope for future Hall of Fame player’s sake, that they follow Barber’s lead and leave a great lasting impression for us fans to remember them by.
