More often than not, the easy way is the wrong
way.
Football was hard, much harder than any sport I had
ever played,
physically and mentally. And most other sports I was bigger,
faster, stronger than everyone else.
On the football field, those traits were matched.
On the lacrosse field, I felt like LeBron James.
On the football field, I was Billy Hoyle.
I love the challenge. The football was the joy of
winning,
the agony of defeat, the anxiety of the unknown and
the camaraderie.
I won't forget my mother becoming mom of the NFL.
A representative for all moms out there who have sacrificed
so much for their children.
I won't forget Nick Siriani sending me kegs of beer
to convince me to keep playing these last few years.
He knows the key to my heart.
I won't forget making the playoffs in his first season,
the Super Bowl in his next and the immense heartbreak
at the collapse of this last season.
And although last season truly sucked.
I wouldn't trade any of my time with you or
those teams for the world.
It was really my brother and I our whole lives.
We did almost everything together competed.
Fought. Laughed, cried.
And learned from each other.
The NFL is truly like no other place,
and at the same time represents America as a whole
like no other.
I think it's no coincidence I have enjoyed my best
years of my career with Kylie by my side.
Every accolade I have ever received has come with her
in my life.
She has brought the best out of me through love,
devotion, support.
Honesty. Intelligence.
And of course, the swift kick in the air from
time to time.
Thank you, Philadelphia. From the bottom of my heart,
thank you for letting me represent this city.
And allowing me into your homes every Sunday.