LEWISBURG, W. Va – The battle of Lewisburg in the Civil War was fought in 1862. The red brick Airbnb where we stayed this week to cover Broncos practice was built in 1845.
That year resonated because that is when Charlie Blackmon began growing his beard. Blackmon announced his retirement this week, tying a bow on a 14-year run with a dive into the Hot Tub Time Machine. He is leading off, ripping triples, smashing homers and scoring runs. He’s partying like it’s 1899. Or at least his beard is, cascading down his face with joy.
The Rockies will surely retire Blackmon’s number in the future. He ranks second in almost every meaningful category in franchise history. But Blackmon going out while the team stinks provides a sobering reminder. After four All-Star selections and a top-five finish in MVP voting, his career will be remembered for his beard, his walk-up song and statistics.
In that order.
Blackmon became part of the culture when his facial hair sprouted like a Chia Pet. Now, he doesn’t know what he looks like clean-shaven. And neither does his wife. It is kind of cool that any silhouette that reminds us of a bird’s nest is immediately identified with the outfielder.
But, he deserves to be viewed through a wider prism. He has been really good for a really long time. He’s not Todd Helton, but he’s in the conversation among Rockies greats — a list that includes The Toddfather, Larry Walker, Nolan Arenado, Carlos Gonzalez, Troy Tulowitzki, Matt Holliday and Vinny Castilla.
Blackmon made his debut June 7, 2011. He will play his last game Sunday. In between, the Rockies reached the playoffs twice — in 2017 and 2018.
Blackmon, like Helton before him, learned to deal with the losing. He loved this state and how the fans embraced him. Even without his beard, his walk-up song, “Your Love” by The Outfield, made him an icon, the crowd finishing off the “Toniiiiiiiight” lyrics.
Blackmon deserves a tip of the cap. But let’s not just identify him by his beard and his tune. He is better than that.
Mr. Rodgers: Nobody does passive-aggressiveness better than Aaron Rodgers. Appearing on “The Pat McAfee Show” this week, he praised the Broncos defense, singled out Pat Surtain II and took some subtle jabs at Denver’s offense. You know, the one steered by Sean Payton. Both sides have played down acrimony this week, saying Payton ripping Nathaniel Hackett is old news, but I wouldn’t be surprised to see it surface on Sunday.
Clark bar: Caitlin Clark finished her outstanding rookie season with a first-round playoff exit. The WNBA leadership has been an embarrassment in not understanding Clark’s impact and creating an environment that has pitted players against one another. This needs to be addressed moving forward.
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Renck: Do you Bo-lieve? Bo Nix can do this, but Sean Payton needs to let rookie’s brawn catch up with his brain
Mail Time
I will Bo-lieve if Sean Payton will Bo-lieve. Check the tape, Troy. It was not just Bo, but a much-improved scheme (against Tampa Bay). Unusual for a behind-the-curve head coach. Do we Bo-lieve? Payton answered your question.
John, email
There is no question that Payton has to customize the offense for Nix. And he has to stop asking him to do too much. Nix ranks fourth in the NFL in dropbacks with 127. That’s a ridiculous number. Give Nix sips. There is no need to have him drink out of a firehose, even if he knows the offense. Aim for 25 to 30 passes and 10 rush attempts per week. That will show Payton not only believes in Nix, but also understands how to develop him.
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