A Sensational Finish

This item caught my eye while reading Peter King's Monday Morning Quarterback blog on Monday.

It was a short mention in a 7,000+ word blog about an offensive lineman who is ready to call it a career:
I think the story I hope you all remember from Week 16 is what the Jaguars did with retiring center Brad Meester, playing his 208th game with the team. 

Coach Gus Bradley and the staff wanted to do something special for Meester, one of the great citizens of any team in the NFL. 

And so Meester reported as eligible on a 2nd-and-8 play from the Titans’ 13-yard-line (centers do not report as eligible but once a career—maybe), and quarterback Chad Henne threw him a nine-yard dart to convert the first down. Crowd went nuts. Teammates went nuts. Watching the highlight, you can see how much the Jaguars respect the working-class Meester. 

“You talk about memories you’ll take with you for the rest of your life,” Meester said. “That’s one I’ll always remember.” As will those who saw it. (MMQB, December 23, 2013)

I wrote about the Jacksonville lineman earlier this year because he shared with Peter King that he was willing to accept a pay cut to stay on the team.  Many players are somewhat forced into similar conclusions, but I found his approach to the situation and smart.

It's refreshing when very well-paid (by any standards) athletes recognize the privilege they have to make a living playing a game.  For us fans, the people buying the jerseys, t-shirts, decals, and accessories - it is nice to hear from an athlete what we think we might say in the same situation.

So, here's to you Mr. Brad Meester, God's blessings to you and your post-football career.