I know we've all been thinking about how losing Givens would affect the Patriots and the passing game and cap space and all that, but just for a minute put yourself inside David Givens' head.
He's spent half his life inside a weight room, working out, watching his diet, running sprints, chasing down passes from the Juggs machine, and sitting on the sidelines in some degree of pain. He's won superbowl rings. This year, he drew game checks of nearly $100,000 each. But on every play, in the back of his mind, he always knew that one hit could end his chances of a lifetime payoff.
Soon, the worry ends.
Tonight he's sitting in a hotel room in Nashville after a blur of meetings over breakfast, lunch and dinner. He can almost touch the finish line. Ten million dollars cash, guaranteed. Set for life.
If you were him, what would you be thinking? Honestly. Would you think, God, I'd love to retire a Patriot? Or would you be thinking, I finally made it?
Good luck, David. You earned it.