Peter King, a legendary sportswriter, has announced his retirement after a remarkable 44-year career. In his final “Football Morning in America” column for NBC, the 66-year-old revealed that he will no longer be writing his weekly Monday column. King expressed his gratitude for his long and successful tenure in the sports industry, stating, “I’m the luckiest man on the face of the earth.”
The decision to retire comes after attending 40 consecutive Super Bowls, with King now looking forward to simply enjoying a game as a spectator. He cited four factors that influenced his retirement: time, curiosity about other opportunities, the evolution of his column, and his desire to spend more time with his family.
King admitted that there are aspects of the NFL that he is no longer interested in covering, and he believes that it would be unfair to continue doing a job he’s not fully passionate about. He had contemplated retiring last year and even had Chiefs coach Andy Reid inquire about his retirement plans. Ultimately, King decided that this year would be his last.
One of the main reasons behind King’s retirement is his desire to be present in his family’s life. He acknowledged the sacrifices his wife, Ann, and his children, Laura and Mary Beth, have made for him to pursue his career at the highest level. Being a successful sportswriter requires a certain level of selfishness and often means missing out on important family moments. King expressed both gratitude and regret for the times he had to prioritize work over family.
In his final column, King expressed his appreciation for the support he received throughout his career. He will still have one more column next week featuring letters from readers. He took the opportunity to share some of his favorite stories and express gratitude to those who have helped him along the way.
While King will undoubtedly miss the thrill of covering football and sharing his insights with readers, he believes that the next generation of sportswriters will continue to bring the same level of passion and expertise to the field. He ended his column with a haiku bidding farewell, signifying the end of an era in sportswriting.
Peter King’s retirement marks the end of an illustrious career that has spanned over four decades. His contributions to the world of sportswriting will not be forgotten, and his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of journalists. As he embarks on a new chapter in his life, King leaves behind a lasting impact on the industry he dedicated his life to.