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When you get to be my age (and, trust me, it takes a while), and you are still doing what you love to do, it doesn’t hurt to find some inspiration from time to time. You know, some examples of those who could have packed it in and moved on, but decided to continue to give it a try. Three of those stories played out this weekend.
I will start with Adrian Peterson, a running back for the Washington Redskins. At Oklahoma, in three seasons, he ran for 4,245 yards, 73 yards short of the career rushing record. He did not play his senior year, opting to turn pro. That was twelve years ago. Adrian Peterson is 33 years old.
He was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings and was named Offensive Rookie of the Year. He stayed with the Vikings through the 2016 season. In that time, he set or tied five NFL rushing records, and five Vikings’ records.
In the 2016 season, he needed knee surgery and he was released by the Vikings in 2017. The New Orleans Saints took a chance on him and signed him in 2017. He played only four games and was traded to the Arizona Cardinals. He injured his neck and did not finish out the season. Great career, but it was time to retire, right?
Nope. The Washington Redskins took a chance and signed him this year. This past weekend against the Packers, he rushed for 120 yards and scored two touchdowns. He now has 102 touchdowns and it was his 52nd 100-yard game. Thirty-three is old for an NFL running back, but, in this case, it’s just a number.
Ryan Fitzpatrick has played quarterback in the NFL for seven different teams. After graduating from Harvard, he was drafted by the Rams. He has played for the Bengals, Bills, Titans, Texans, Jets, and now the Tampa Bay Bucs. For most of these teams, he was the backup given starting opportunities from time to time. Ryan Fitzpatrick is 35 years old.
This season began with the Bucs’ starting QB, Jameis Winston, suspended for the first three games. Fitzpatrick got the start. In week one, he threw for 417 yards and four TD’s. His team upset the Saints 48-40. He was named NFC Offensive Player of the Week. In week two, he led the Bucs to an upset win over the Super Bowl champion Eagles 27-21. He was again named the Player of the Week.
This Monday the Bucs lost to the Steelers, but Fitzpatrick led a second-half comeback. They lost 30-27. Perhaps the game time was too late for this “old” QB. Some would say he should be in bed!
And then there is Tiger. Tiger Woods is 42 years old. He has won 14 major championships, 18 World Golf Championships, and has a total of 80 career wins, trailing only Sam Snead by two. Due to the wear and tear on his body AND his age, he went through four back surgeries and had not won a tournament in five years. Since his departure from the game, golf has become a young man’s sport with the real stars being in their early 20’s. He was, more or less, written off as a future winner.
But this weekend, Tiger won again. At 42, he won the Tour Championship. The five- year drought ended and golf had a resurgence of viewers. The broadcast on Sunday drew three times the audience the same championship had last year. And it was an NFL Sunday. Since Tiger’s return, the size of the viewing audience has soared. He was in contention for the PGA championship in August and the telecast drew the highest ratings in nine years.
And I just bet the audience was made up of all ages – young people who want to get to see Tiger’s greatness for themselves and the older viewers who can tell themselves, no matter what their age, that it is just a number! There is always more to accomplish.
ABOVE THE EARS (SOME MUSINGS)
- When the Bills beat the Vikings 27-6 this past Sunday, it was the largest NFL upset in the past 23 seasons. The Vikings were favored by 17 points. According to reports out of Las Vegas, one gambler bet $18,000 on the Vikings with a payout of just $1,000 if he won. He didn’t. Another person bet $9,000 on the Vikings to win $450. He didn’t either. And after the Lions beat the Patriots, the bookies had a good day.
- Carson Wentz did not have a great day for the Eagles on Sunday, but they won, he scrambled like old times, took some hits, dove for a first down, and came away healthy. That checked off a number of boxes!
- I’m sure Eagles’ fans who have been around for awhile remember Tommy McDonald, the small, but fast, sure-handed receiver from the 1960’s. He was part of the 1960 NFL championship team led by quarterback Norm Van Brocklin. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1998. McDonald passed away this past week.
- It’s officially over for the Phillies this year in terms of post-season play. The way this season is coming to a close puts a real damper on any enthusiasm the start of the year might have had on next year’s success. Here’s hoping…
- With the Celtic Classic part of the weekend schedule, RCN-TV will present one high school this Friday night, but it is a good one – Palisades at Notre Dame live at 7:00pm. Chris Michael and John Leone will have the game. Saturday, Mike Joseph, John Leone and I will bring the Lafayette–Central Connecticut State game to you at 6:00pm. You’re invited join us.
Gary’s Guesses: NFL Picks (Last week: 8-8) (Overall: 26-20-2 57% )
Week FOUR
RAMS
NEW ENGLAND
INDIANAPOLIS
ATLANTA
GREEN BAY
DETROIT
JACKSONVILLE
CHICAGO
PHILADELPHIA
SEATTLE
CLEVELAND
CHARGERS
GIANTS
PITTSBURGH
KANSAS CITY
