Parting Shot: Hanson hangs up his cleats

Before he was pro football’s most underappreciated kicker for the game’s most appreciation-resistant franchise, Jason Hanson apprenticed for the job at Washington State University.

There was little competitively to recommend his last two Wazzu teams and of what there was, the best was Hanson himself. His punts salvaged approving nods out of numbing three-and-outs; field goals were actual spectacles. And in a few lost causes, he was sent out for attempts that brought to mind the sideshow quality of Evel Knievel taking measure of the Grand Canyon.

Such a hasty judgment.

Any opportunity to see Hanson take on the laws of physics with his right leg should have been welcomed. Just as his leave-taking from the National Football League, inevitable as it was, is a disappointment. John Blanchette, SR

So ends the long career of my favorite NFL athlete. I’m not much of a Lion’s fan, but I’m a huge Jason Hanson fan. Here’s hoping he enjoys his well-earned retirement.