When age finally catches up to you as an athlete, it’s not pretty.
Unfortunately for sports fans, age finally caught up with Kobe Bryant and Peyton Manning.
This is one of the saddest sentences I will write this semester, but I think it’s time for Manning and Bryant to retire. Kobe and Peyton, if y’all are reading this, hang ’em up while you’re still ahead.
Bryant and Manning were the best players in their respective sports for long periods of their careers.
Bryant is one of the greatest scorers in NBA history. He averaged more than 25 points per game in 12 seasons during his career. In fact, he’s averaged more than 25 points per game for his career.
He’s racked up five championship rings, two NBA Finals MVPs and one NBA MVP. Oh, and he’s been an NBA All-Star 17 times.
He could completely take over games and make them his. When the clock was running out in the fourth quarter, you wanted the ball in Kobe’s hands, and most of the time, he wasn’t going to let you down.
Manning has quite a résumé, too. How good is it, you ask?
Manning was named NFL MVP five times, was selected for 14 Pro Bowls and was a first-team All-Pro seven times. He’s played in three Super Bowls and emerged victorious with MVP honors in one.
He’s the all-time leader in touchdown passes, and he just claimed the record for most career passing yards.
So why would I ever want these guys to retire?
Well, Manning set the record for career passing yards, but he also went 5-20 for 35 yards and four interceptions before being benched in favor of Brock Osweiler in the Broncos’ Week 10 loss to Kansas City Chiefs.
Manning has nine touchdown passes this season against 17 interceptions. Yikes.
To make matters worse, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported Manning has a torn plantar fascia in his left foot.
When you’ve achieved as much as Manning, and people begin to question whether you’re a better option than Osweiler, it’s time to call it quits.
On the hardwood, Bryant used to be known for his clutch play. In 2015, he’s becoming known for missing the rim completely when he shoots.
Kobe’s aware of the steep fall off in his game. He said earlier in the season that, “I freaking suck.”
Bryant played his best game of the season Sunday, but it came at a cost. ESPN quoted Bryant as saying this after the game: “I’m barely standing up. My back and my legs, it’s killing me. I’m not looking forward to walking to the car. Seriously.”
It seems like Bryant and Manning have almost used up every ounce of talent they possess, and they’ve used it well.
But it’s time for them to go. Neither guy is fully healthy, and neither guy is performing at a near-normal level.
It hurts to say goodbye to legends, but I want to remember Bryant and Manning for all they’ve achieved, not their poor performances in the twilight of their careers.
Jack Woods is a 22-year-old mass communication senior from Ruston, Louisiana. You can reach him on Twitter @Jack_TDR.