MOST 46-YEAR-OLDS who have played sports professionally speak of it in the past tense, such as, "I remember when I did... " or "I was pretty good at... " or "The toughest game was... "
However, for one such athlete, the past easily melds into the present. And we're not talking about a non-contact sport, either.
Chris Chelios, a defenseman for the Detroit Red Wings, set a record for durability and success over the weekend, when he played in his 248th career playoff game. He broke the mark previously held by goaltender Patrick Roy. Chelios also became the second-oldest player in NHL history earlier this season, behind Hall of Famer Gordie Howe.
To weekend warriors who should have retired ages ago, Chelios is part-inspiration, part-wonderment. Spouses will probably cringe, but athletes past their prime will point to Chelios as the reason to continue their own pursuit of glory - as long as ice, BenGay and hospital emergency rooms are nearby.
As the last line of defense before opponents reach the goalie, defensemen face their share of hits, cross-checks, illegal slashes and the like. They log tons of ice time, collisions and pucks to the body.
That Chelios, who's in his 24th NHL season, can still lace 'em up and help his team is pretty remarkable, recalling to mind oldsters in other sports such as George Blanda, an NFL quarterback and placekicker who played until age 48, and Archie Moore, who fought professionally for 27 years.
Nor is Chelios any scrub. He's been on two Stanley Cup-winning teams and three times won the Norris Trophy as the NHL's top defenseman.
Will Chelios still be playing at 50? Not so quick. He's still making history right now.
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