Thank You, Number 18

Storyline: I’ve grown up watching one of the greats. Your selflessness, perseverance, passion, and discipline — on and off the field — is truly admirable. You inspire me. Written by Brianna Hall, Carmel, IN

With this past season being your last rodeo, Number 18, I’d like to thank you for 18 years of pure entertainment. I feel tremendously lucky to have grown up watching an athlete with an immeasurable amount of talent and class. I grew up in Indianapolis and so I know first-hand how important you are to this city.

Courtesy: npr.org

I feel that most young athletes have that person or professional athlete who captures their attention and makes them want to be just like them. Of course, you were in that same place once so I know you’ve also had someone who has influenced you in this way.

Well, for me, you were that person. Growing up in a family full of die-hard Colts fans, I was a fan, too. I wasn’t forced to be a fan, but that’s where my passion for football and sports, in general, came from.

Watching you season after season is what has helped me grow into the athlete and individual that I’ve become today. The older I got, the more competitive I became, which at first, seemed like a bad thing. That was when I would reflect  on how you were during games and how you maintained that focus.

I’ve always been a perfectionist, which was a very dangerous trait towards the beginning of my athletic career. I didn’t know how to control it. In my mind, winning was necessary. And, if I made even the smallest mistake, I felt like I had let my entire team down.

But it was through watching you play that I’ve learned that losing is okay. I’ve definitely had my moments during a loss, but I’ve become a better loser. I accept that if you only win or never make mistakes you will never learn to become better. That is something I’ve been able to draw on as an athlete, a student, and a person.

Courtesty: fansided. com

I remember the day you signed with the Denver Broncos. I remember the press conference like it was yesterday because it was one of the few times when I got emotional. It made it better (or not really) when you got emotional too.

And why wouldn’t you? Almost 15 years with an organization, then having to start all over again. That can be hard. Of course, I can’t even begin to imagine what you were going. But this event definitely helped change my mindset as an athlete.

You had just gone through two significant surgeries. Many people thought your career was over. But not long after, you proved everyone wrong. I remember your first game as a Denver Bronco and how excited I was to see you play again, after what had felt like forever. First game back and you had once again set a record!

But it wasn’t the record that amazed me; it was that–even after all of the criticism–you came out with the same amount of confidence that I was used to seeing in a Colts’ game. You played your heart out. It was one of the best comebacks I’ve seen and definitely one I’ll remember.

Courtesy: hilite.org-

I know that there are Colts fans who were, and still are, sad that you’re not with Indy. But you’re impact on this city makes it feel like you never left. On October 20, 2013, a date I’m sure you remember, you returned to Lucas Oil Stadium.

My favorite moment of that game was before kickoff, when you took your helmet off and waved to all the fans. You were now our opponent, but everyone in that stadium had a great amount of love and respect for you. That’s another thing to admire about you: you continue to show a great amount of gratitude and respect for all of your opponents, even your biggest rivals.

Yes, you’ve made mistakes, but it’s how you’ve dealt with them and moved on, which makes you memorable. It may seem like I’m just rambling on about how great you are, but I’m really just trying to thank you. I’ve been fortunate enough to grow up watching an athlete who will go down as one of the greats.

Your level of selflessness, perseverance, passion, and discipline–on and off the field–is truly admirable. Those traits inspires me. I have so much to thank you for; just watching you has enabled me to learn and grow.

Your last season was your 18th and, ironically, I’m 18, too.

Courtesy: Denver Post

Thank you, Number 18.