The news that Terrell Davis would be placed on the Broncos’
injured reserve list, effectively ending his career, was greeted
with mixed emotions by fans across Colorado.
I had no such dilemma.
What is there to be happy about a career cut short? Especially a
career as brilliant as Davis’.
It is easy to focus on the past three years when Davis has been
plagued with injuries that haven’t allowed him to return to the
position of power he once held. But why do we feel the need to
remember where a person was when they called it quits instead of
the mountains they climbed while they were in the game?
There was a time when Terrell Davis held a place in Broncos’
fans hearts, second only to John Elway. It was an honor that didn’t
come lightly.
Davis earned his spot by being the best running back this
franchise ever had. Ever. He did it by working hard, struggling
through the opposition and picking up the critical yards the team
needed to succeed.
Now that his body will not allow him to make those
accomplishments any longer, so many people are so quick to say,
“Good riddance.”
When Elway retired, he said his mind was willing but his body
wasn’t able. Elway was commended for it. Davis said the same thing,
and he is condemned for it. Why?
Granted, Elway’s career was longer. He spent more time in our
living rooms and in our hearts. Davis’ contributions to the team
and the community might not have been as lengthy, but they were no
less significant.
Lest we forget that Davis has two Super Bowl rings on his
finger, too. Rings that, without his help, quite possibly no one
would have. In the short time he was in Denver, Davis accomplished
what few running backs ever accomplish in their entire
careers.
Two thousand eight yards rushing in a single season. Super Bowl
XXXII MVP. 1998 NFL MVP. Seven consecutive 100-plus-yard games in
postseason. Forty-one 100-plus-yard games. Two 200-plus-yard games
in one season.
And Davis did most of this while suffering from chronic
migraines. Not bad for a sixth-round draft pick.
But what’s more important than the stats in the record books is
that Davis gave us something to cheer about. He gave us someone to
root for. He gave us something to believe in.
For that, if nothing else, he deserves our thanks. And our
respect.
Christopher Cogley is a News-Press staff writer.