There’s no athlete I admire more than Colorado Avalanche captain Joe Sakic. In nineteen NHL seasons, all with the same franchise, Sakic has etched his name in the record books. Today, he stands as eighth all-time in scoring, with two Stanley Cup rings, a Hart Trophy (regular season MVP) and a Conn Smythe (playoff MVP) to his name.
Off the ice, Sakic has done amazing work with the Colorado Food Bank. He has personally served over 3 million meals to poor families and even holds his own annual charity golf tournament. The Avs’ captain is respected by teammates and opponents alike, who admire his quiet demeanor and the example he sets. There’s no doubt in anyone’s mind that he will be a first-ballot Hall of Famer.
And that’s why I hope Sakic, who is currently contemplating retirement, chooses not to follow the example set by Green Bay Packers quarterback (or is that former Green Bay Packers quarterback) Brett Favre. For the last 253 game days, Favre has been a given. Didn’t matter if he was hurting or slumping- he took the field and commanded the Pack.
But now, in complete contrast to the rest of his career, Favre’s status is in question. Retired or not, Packer or not- Favre’s indecision over his future is painful to watch. Favre’s track record shows that he’s a gamer who saves the drama for the football field. The current saga involving Favre’s anger at alleged disloyalty from Packers management and the cheeseheads’ pleas to bring Brett back doesn’t fit with the rest of his career. The end we’re watching is an aberration that, in my opinion, reflects poorly on all involved. Not exactly the taste Favre should want to leave in our mouths.
Unlike Favre, Sakic has not announced his retirement, nor has he questioned whether his team wants him back. Like Favre, Sakic has conducted his time as a pro with the utmost class and graciousness. Like Favre, Sakic has never been a question mark, only a given. When Joe makes up his mind, hopefully before training camp and not during the season like certain Ducks, he should truly have made up his mind. After all, it’s a spotless legacy. Why tarnish it?
