| Ryan Longwell kicked for the Packers for nine years, and holds multiple franchise records |
This week, amid a fierce kicking competition between Mason Crosby and Giorggio Tavecchio, a third kicker was welcomed into Lambeau. Former Packer and holder of virtually all significant franchise kicking records, Ryan Longwell, announced his intention to retire as a Packer. Longwell kicked for the team for nine seasons, and had a golden toe to be sure. Here's a short list of his accomplishments:
- Most made FG's in Packers history: 226
- All time Packers leading scorer: 1054 points
It's relatively common these days for players to sign one-day contracts to retire with their preferred team. But in a game of rivalries, tough love, and hard and fast rules, it could be seen as an empty ceremonial gesture— a bit "warm and fuzzy."
First, a history lesson: The first player ever to sign a one-day contract was Roger Craig. The phenom 49er ball carrier plowed through the NFC West from 1983 through 1990, then went on to play a year with the Raiders and two with the Vikings. He stated a desire to retire as a 49er, the club where he saw the bulk of his success, and where he set many records which still stand today. Signing a one-day contract allowed him to achieve just that, where he was welcomed back into the fold with open arms.
Since then, it's become common place for players to do this. As teams become more brand oriented, it also benefits them to rewrite history in the most favorable light for their flag. But shouldn't there be a statute of limitations? A point after which it becomes downright silly to sign a one-day contract?
Ryan Longwell was an excellent kicker for the Packers for nine seasons. But he then went on to be an excellent kicker for the division-rival Vikings for six more years. After that, he signed with his hometown Seahawks for a playoff run in which they'd lost their kicker to injury. In short, when Longwell left Green Bay, his career was only 56% complete. The average career length in the NFL is said to be about 3 years. Longwell played twice that long and then some for the Vikings and Seahawks. After almost doubling his career length with these other team after Green Bay, is there a spot in Lambeau for Ryan Longwell? Should there be?
I'm soliciting your comments here. Should there be a statute of limitations? If so, how long is it? And do franchise accomplishments outweigh it? Discuss!
I deffs agree that any time spent as a rival taints Longwell's Packer legacy, let alone near half his career. But we need to realize that, sooner than later, Longwell will be inducted into the Packer's HOF; and rightfully so. We can never forget his time in a purple uniform, but we can forgive. Of course Longwell would want to retire as a member of the game's most storied franchise. But, we as fans should too. The Vikings as we know are notorious for wishing they were the Pack-Attack. Let's not fault Longs for that. Also, you know his heart never wanted to leave. It's a damn shame we lost him, but it was a damn pleasure to have him. Welcome back old friend. Welcome back. You better start preparing one hell of a speech!
ReplyDeleteI think that retiring as a Packer and being honored by the team's HoF are not mutually exclusive. He can be remembered in the HoF for all of his accomplishments as a Packer without perpetuating a myth about where he spent nearly half of his career.
ReplyDeleteTrue, true... That was the Old Milwaukee® talking.
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