Thank you Jake

SNIP: "But Mr. Huard is among many people who say Mr. Locker’s tale is different and deeper. He may not have won the Heisman, but he stayed long enough to get Washington back to even.

“So much was on his shoulders to singlehandedly turn things around,” Mr. Huard said. “There’s almost a purity to him and his story — almost a ‘Hoosiers’ thing. He’s formed such a bond with this place. And that bond got pushed and tested more than anyone ever thought it could.”

Mr. Locker feels the bond, too. A principal reason he returned, he said, was “just being able to extend that passion one more year, one more game and one more snap.”

The above text is from an article in today's New York Times. It captures some of the better and most interesting parts of the story of Jake Locker.

Jake Locker's last snaps as a Husky are tonight and this is a day to salute him for what has preceded it. For more than what Jake did on the field it his remarkable, steadfast example of faith (and faithfulness), valor, selflessness, goodwill, grace and character that draws such genuine admiration, appreciation and deep affection from his fellow Huskies and from others.

Had Jake played during any other era of Husky history he undoubtedly would have left a special and lasting imprint, but his arrival and career as a Husky came during the most negative and difficult period in its entire history. His persistence through this, and the weight he shouldered helping a team and a community through it without casting blame or making excuses when there was much of both has no parallel in UW sports, and very few that I know of beyond.

We honor character, sacrifice, nobility and faithfulness above all other things, for they are the real achievements and they are together rare. In this we honor Jake, his legacy was made through and not in spite of the travails of the last years. In an abyss, where ugliness and loss seemed the only thing around, we can most clearly and appreciatively see what is Christ-like character in our midst. Often this is only fully evident after all is over, but sometimes we do notice and appreciate it before its gone. Thankfully this is one of those times. God bless Jake. Maybe we all can share a pizza and salad some day ; )