MICHAEL KIRAL / L’Observateur / May 2, 1999

Someone alert the astrologers, another star has left the sports constellation.

First it was Michael Jordan. Then it was Wayne Gretzky. Now, John Elwayis expecting to announce his retirement from the Denver Broncos.

Those three had more in common than just retiring within four months of each other. All were at their best in the clutch. In the NBA Finals, with theclock winding down in a must-win game, who else would you want with the ball but Jordan? In the Stanley Cup playoffs, who was better at leading a late game charge than Gretzky. And you just have to ask theCleveland Browns (well, the old Cleveland Browns) about Elway’s ability to deliver in the final minutes.

Who could ever forget Elway’s 98-yard drive in the final minutes to beat the Browns in the 1987 AFC Championship Game? Jordan’s shot to beat the Cleveland Cavaliers in the final game of the playoffs in the late 1980s or his performance in Game Six of last year’s NBA Finals against Utah? And Gretzky either scored or set up countless game-winning goals throughout his career.

Each holds a slew of records. Jordan’s includes most points scored in aplayoff game. Gretzky is the NHL’s all-leader in goals, assists and points.Elway finished his career as the NFL’s second all-time leader in passing yards and touchdown passes.

Each can definitely be called a winner. Jordan led the Chicago Bulls to sixNBA titles in the 1990s. Gretzky helped the Edmonton Oilers to StanleyCup dominance in the early 1980s. And Elway led the Broncos to five SuperBowls in his career, winning the last two in his final two years.

All had stardom thrust upon them at an early age. Jordan hit a jump shotwith 16 seconds left to lead North Carolina to a National Championship when he was a freshman. Gretzky was a teen-age sensation when he cameinto the NHL. And you think all the hoopla surrounding Ricky Williams wasa bit much at this year’s NFL Draft. It was nothing compared to what itwas like when Elway was drafted in 1983.

At the same time, each has had to deal with adversity. Jordan’s father wasmurdered. Gretzky had to deal with injuries in the latter part of hiscareer. And Elway had to overcome the stigma of not being away to winthe big one after losing the first three Super Bowls he played in. But allthree overcame those obstacles and heartbreak with class and dignity.

Each has talked about retirement before. Jordan actually did take a fewyears off in the mid 1990s to play minor league baseball. Elway wasconsidering retiring after winning the Super Bowl in 1998 but decided to return.

Which player’s retirement will most impact their sport? In my opinion, probably Jordan’s. Jordan was a world-wide ambassador for basketball.Gretzky was probably the greatest player in the history of the sport but the NHL never really promoted him to a large extent. Elway was one of thegame’s best quarterbacks but was often overshadowed by the Joe Montanas and the Brett Favres.

But the retirements of all three will have an impact on the sports world.

All three were not just great athletes but great people as well. All threehad a positive impact on their communities and their sports.

Thanks, guys, for the memories. You will be missed.

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