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Arian Foster's Retirement Message


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    Wanted to take a minute to talk about Arian Foster. Foster retired effectively immediately from the NFL, and while it makes all the sense in the world to me, I was kind of bummed to hear this. He has been one of my favorite NFL players this decade really. And I wish more players in the NFL were like him. Not just in talent, as in his prime he was hands down the best in the league. But also in demeanor and lifestyle.

    Foster was one of, if not the only, player to ever come out publicly as an 'atheist'. Religious feelings aside, that takes guts. No doubt there are dozens, if not hundreds in the league. Yet no one followed his lead there. He is also one of the few players I knew of that was vegan. Again, just adds to my interest in him. He sorta of bucks the trend of the dumb jock, in every way. For that, I have a ton of respect for the guy.

    Wanted to share Foster's retirement announcement piece he wrote in it's entirety, for anyone to comment on it. I thought it was great, and just elevated my respect for him even higher. Very interested in what the 30 year old does going forward:

    There comes a time in every athlete's career when their ambition and their body are no longer on the same page. I've reached that point. It's hard to write those words because this game has been everything to me...my therapy, my joy, my solace and my enemy. I've learned to love every facet of this game, from the peak of accomplishment to the gutter of criticism. And it all makes the ride worthwhile. I've been fortunate enough to play many successful years in this league. I've given a lot to this game and given up a lot for it. But it has returned to me more than I could have ever asked for. Faceless gladiators have been shuffled in and out of this arena for decades and I'm proud to have taken part in that legacy. My father always said, “You'll know when it's time to walk away.” It has never been more clear than right now. I'm walking away with peace. I know it's not commonplace to do it midseason, but my body just can't take the punishment this game asks for any longer. I want to thank the Miami Dolphins, with everything in me, for allowing me to bow out with grace and making this process as easy as possible. It means everything to my family and I. I've created lifelong relationships in my short time there that I'm forever thankful for. Every athlete would love to g out as a Super Bowl MVP, riding off into the sunset with the crowd cheering their name. Unfortunately, life has other plans and they're usually opposite the imagination. But that imagination got me this far and I could not be prouder of the things my teammates and I accomplished in this game. I'd like to send a sincere thank you to all those who I've come in contact with throughout this journey. This is a beautifully violent game and the same reason I loved it is why I have to walk away. That bittersweet taste will forever linger with me, but on my next journey, I get to carry those memories with me. Hopefully. lol"