Is Super Bowl Elway’s Last Waltz?

Is John Elway planning to return for a Sweet 16th season? The Broncos’ quarterback has remained noncommittal on his plans, but on Friday he gave the impression he’s leaning toward retirement.

A wistful Elway, in his last public appearance before facing the Packers in Super Bowl XXXII on Sunday, bemoaned the physical demands of the sport. He also contemplated life after football, sounding like a man who was eager to start a new phase in his life.

“There’s never going to be a right time (to retire) … but there are times when the negatives start to outweigh the positives,” Elway said. “You get tired of getting up in the morning and not feeling good. When you feel that way for six months, it has a tendency to wear on you, and maybe you ought to move on.”

Elway, who turns 38 in June, hinted that he may retire if the Broncos upset the heavily favored Packers.

“That might be, but I’m not a guy who makes a snap decision,” he said. “I really like to take my time. I like to evaluate everything. I don’t want to be like those boxers who retire every time they fight. When I say I’m going to retire, I’m going to retire.”

The long and winding road

Neil Smith stands 6-foot-4, weighs 269 pounds and delights in separating quarterbacks from their senses.

But a year ago, on the saddest day of his football life, this bear of a man climbed in his car and drove for hours, wiping big tears from his cheeks.

The Kansas City Chiefs told Smith, a five-time Pro Bowl defensive end, that his services were no longer needed. After nine seasons in Kansas City, Smith was being cut loose.

“It hurt me tremendously,” Smith said. “If you have feelings, you can be hurt. I think every man can cry. A man who says he doesn’t cry, there’s something wrong.”

In April, he signed a free-agent contract with the Denver Broncos for modest money.

“This wasn’t a money issue,” Smith insisted. “I always had a dream that I would one day play in the Super Bowl. I never gave up on that. I took the long road here.”

Clinton’s woes take back seat

The rest of the world may be talking about a scandal in the White House, but not in San Diego where people are eagerly awaiting the Super Bowl.

“Nothing takes precedence over the Super Bowl, not even the president,” said Green Bay Packers fan Cheri Whalen of West Palm Beach, Fla. “I’d rather talk about the Packers.”

“People are here to have a good time and enjoy the Super Bowl,” bartender Larry Westover said. “If they’re like me, they believe it’s Hillary’s problem. If she can live with it, so can we.”

“You should judge someone by their job performance, not their sex life,” said Whalen’s mother Nancy Landin.