Is Joe Sakic Denver's classiest-ever star athlete?

It's comparatively easy to display humility, grace and good sportsmanship for athletes who don't reach elite status. No one expects greatness from them on any level, personal or professional, so folks tend to grade on the curve from the get-go. But stars are as different in this way as they...

By Michael Roberts

July 10, 2009

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It's comparatively easy to display humility, grace and good sportsmanship for athletes who don't reach elite status. No one expects greatness from them on any level, personal or professional, so folks tend to grade on the curve from the get-go. But stars are as different in this way as they are in any other, and because most of them were driven to excellence by a heaping helping of ego, they often seem to hiding essential aspects of their character when they're on their best behavior. Not so Joe Sakic. The Colorado Avalanche captain's retirement speech yesterday exemplified everything that's been great about him throughout his twenty-year career. Has anyone ever bid farewell this well?

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Michael Roberts began his career with Westword in 1990 as music editor. In 1999, he took on a new role, full-time media reporter, as author of a column called The Message. In 2008, he became the lead writer for Westword's news blog, The Latest Word, a position he held until January 2023. Michael continues to freelance for Westword, covering everything from business to sports and the media; he also contributes to Jazziz, a national music magazine. He holds a bachelor's degree from what is now Colorado Mesa University and master's degrees from the University of California, Los Angeles, and Northwestern University.

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