Retirement: More Than Leaving Your Shoes On The Mat

Retirement: More Than Leaving Your Shoes On The Mat

In sport like football, baseball or basketball athletes are honored in a ton of ways when they retire. But how can we commemorate our stars (better)?

May 3, 2016 by Ryan Holmes
Retirement: More Than Leaving Your Shoes On The Mat
In sports like football, baseball or basketball athletes are honored in a ton of ways when they retire. 

Kobe Bryant basically had an entire season of good-byes as did Derek Jeter, who received a ton of gifts from basically every opposing team. And all that is great, but nothing compares to the ultimate tribute of having your jersey/number retired by your team or the entire league. 

Peyton Manning’s retirement was so anticipated that it was talked about throughout the season and seconds after he won the Super Bowl. Then he had an entire press conference to bring his career to a close. Furthermore, it hasn't even been a year since Seattle Seahawks' running back Marshawn Lynch left the game, but they wasted no time making his number unavailable for any Seahawks player to wear this upcoming season. 

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In wrestling, things aren’t so grandiose when it comes to retirement. After Spenser Mango left his shoes on the mat and received a standing ovation for all his hard work and everything he has given the sport, it’s almost as if the moment just passed by. But why is that? Why aren’t our stars celebrated more when they retire? 

nullJordan Burroughs will someday follow Mango and leave his shoes on the mat. Obviously he will be thought of as one of the best US wrestlers to ever step on the mat, but there should be so much more done when he decides to stop competing.

There are so many guys –like Mango and eventually Burroughs– that deserve more than just a standing ovation. 

Like I said, football goes all out when it comes to a guy calling it quits; jerseys are retired and numbers are to never be worn again.

So how can we commemorate our stars (better)?