The National Football League’s active Iron Man, London Fletcher, announced Wednesday that he’s 99% sure he’ll be playing his final home game with the Washington Redskins Sunday when the team takes on the Dallas Cowboys. Fletcher has spent 7 of his 16 years in the NFL with the Washington Redskins. “The number 7, biblically, marks completion,” Fletcher said in his surprise Wednesday presser.
The 38-year-old Fletcher led the Redskins defense in 2012, earning his fourth consecutive Pro Bowl berth and being named to the Associated Press All-Pro team for the second consecutive year.
During his press conference, Fletcher spoke on how he’s contemplated retirement the past few seasons. “Leaving a legacy is something everyone wants to do,” Fletcher said. And a legacy he certainly has left. Assuming he finishes the final two games, Fletcher will have played in 257 consecutive regular season games. Fletcher is one of only four players in NFL history to reach 250 consecutive games played (Jeff Feagles, Brett Favre and Jim Marshall). At season’s end, Fletcher will have also started 216 consecutive regular season games, which is the most consecutive starts by a linebacker in NFL history.
With London Fletcher retiring, the discussions about whether he’s Hall Of Fame worthy will now legitimately begin. It’s been argued for years, but his career stats don’t lie. Not to mention, the fact he’s been so durable at one of the most physical positions in all of football should also help his argument.
Fletcher’s stat line is often compared to that of Baltimore Ravens’ great Ray Lewis:
- Fletcher currently has 1,375 total tackles and Lewis finished with 1,558.
- Fletcher currently has 39 total sacks and Lewis finished with 41.5.
- Fletcher currently has 20 forced fumbles (12 recoveries) and Lewis finished with 19 in both areas.
- Fletcher currently has 23 career interceptions and Lewis finished with 31.
- Fletcher has been to the Super Bowl twice (won one) and Lewis has won both of his Super Bowl appearances.
Ray Lewis leads Fletcher in some categories, but the NFL’s Iron Man isn’t far behind.
Ray Lewis is touted as a great leader — one of the best in all of sports. But Fletcher has led every team he’s been on and has done it with class. Let’s not forget this is a guy who went un-drafted. 32 teams passed over him numerous times, while Ray Lewis came out of the University of Miami highly proclaimed and ended up a first round pick. Fletcher’s story, journey and results clearly make him Hall Of Fame worthy. It may take some time for him to get the nod, but I think he will and should one day wear a gold jacket.
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