Riding With Cap'n Kiffin

In what has proven to be the uglier side of the NFL, once again we see a living legend holding on longer than he should. Ex-Raider great (and I say this with a profound sadness) Tim Brown is an example of an athlete who refuses to just walk away whent he time is right. He dedicated the greatest years of his life to a fortunate group of people: Raider fans everywhere. Now that the sun is setting on what has been an exceptional career, Timmy refuses to ride off into the sunset.

Over the last two seasons, we Raider fans have witnessed a significant drop in his production. He's had a total of 4 TD's and 133 catches in the last two years. That's not exactly how I want to remember a player as great as Tim Brown. When I hear my uncles talk about players like Fred Biletnikoff, Darryl Lamonica, and Ken Stabler, I feel left out because I never had anything to add. That has all changed. I can now say I witnessed great players like Brown, Steve Wisniewski, Marcus Allen and Bo Jackson. What I do fear is that they'll say,"Brown was great, but he just held on too long."

If there is anything that can tarnish a legacy, it's holding on too long. Let's take a look at Evander Holyfield. Great boxer, but he refuses to hang up the gloves. The last time I saw him fight, I was overcome with grief because I saw a man who was only a shell of what he used to be. I don't want that to happen to Timmy.

Timmy, thank you for 16 great years, and if you do happen to catch on with another team, I hope you do well. But, I think it best if you just hang them up, walk off the field for the last time in a Raiders uniform, and call it a career.

I'm not a Die-Hard fan, because to say Die-Hard means that there is a chance of losing the passion for your team. -Me

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