No Love For Old Dogs

What would Dolphins fans have done if Dan Marino was let go?  What about Jazz fans if John Stockton was released?  Could you imagine the riots in Detroit if the Lions had cut Barry Sanders?

Sure those three guys never won championships, but they gave everything they had to one franchise for their entire career, and the franchise gave them the same respect by holding on them as long as the stars wanted to stay.

But I suppose those days are gone.

Last week, on consecutive days, both LaDainian Tomlinson and Brian Westbrook were released from the San Diego Chargers and Philadelphia Eagles, respectively.  The two aging running backs were considered the two best at their position just a few years ago, but now they join thousands of other people across America who are currently looking for work.

A teary-eyed Tomlinson said his farewell in a press conference.  He choked back tears as he tried to put into words how much he loved playing for the Chargers.  Tomlinson was the strongest public presence in San Diego since Ron Burgandy.

Westbrook did a less public, less emotional farewell during an ESPN telephone interview.  He said he didn’t hold any grudges against the Eagles or Coach Andy Reid. And that he looked forward to continuing his career elsewhere.  Westbrook went on to explain that he was okay with it all because, “it’s just business.”

Okay, but when does the business side end?  These are two guys who have spent their entire careers laying it out on the line for just one team.  And these aren’t kickers or punters, these are running backs; the guys who take the biggest hits.

Brian Westbrook was putting life-after-football at risk last season when he was playing with a concussion.  Tomlinson has battled injury after injury the past few seasons just to have the opportunity to play in front of the San Diego fans that love him so much.  And in return for their hard work and dedication?  How about a “Thank You and a “Goodbye” from the teams’ coaches and general managers.

Unfortunately for the old dogs, running backs in the NFL age worse than meth addicts.  10 years of getting tackled, beaten, and blown up will do a number on your body no matter how hard you work out in the offseason.  Their productivity has declined rapidly, and consequently, so too has their worth to an NFL franchise.  When a RB turns 30, he might as well pick up golf and call it a career.

Tomlinson will get signed by a team when free agency starts.  Hopefully by a contender so he can add a championship to a resume that will definitely land him in Canton.

Westbrook will try to extend his career a few more years as he also seeks out a Lombardi Trophy, something that has eluded him despite playoff appearances in eight of the last ten years.  Most people wish nothing but the best for them as they have been standout athletes on the field and classy, upstanding citizens off of it.

I just hope in ten years, the Titans and Vikings treat Chris Johnson and Adrian Peterson a little better.