Since his arrival in Washington as a 32-year old in 2007, Redskins linebacker London Fletcher has brought an unrivaled intensity and passion for the game.
Only six other Redskins remain from his first season on the team, and none have come close to playing as many games as Fletcher.
That's nothing new for the Redskins' Iron Man, who has never missed a game in his illustrious career, playing 240-consecutive contests, dating back to his rookie year in 1998.
But like all good things, Fletcher understands that his streak and his playing days will one day come to an end.
After telling Redskins.com earlier this season that he did not anticipate playing past his two-year contract with the team, he told the media last Sunday that he will need time to consider his future now that the season has ended.
"I'll take the same process that I've taken the last four or five years," he explained. "I'll take some time to let the emotions of the season kind of get away, refresh for a little bit and then sit down with my family and make the decision from there as far as whether I'll continue to play or not."
Fletcher suffered an ankle injury in Week 11 against the Philadelphia Eagles and practiced sparingly through the rest of the season.
Despite missing substantial practice time for the first time in his career, Fletcher continued to deliver on gameday, leading the team in tackles and being voted as an alternate to what could be his fourth-consecutive Pro Bowl.
"I think there is a fine line. You know, if you can't get it done or if you feel like you still can be effective," he explained. "If you think you can play, of course you need to be out there."
Head coach Mike Shanahan fielded questions about Fletcher's health during the team's stretch run to the playoffs, but said he never bet against No. 59 suiting up and playing at a high level.
"I've never seen a guy not practice and play at the level that he did. I've never seen anything like that in my life," Shanahan said. "He couldn't practice, and for him to go in the games and play at that level, it kind of gave you an idea of what type of preparation he had during the week."
Fletcher spoke with confidence and conviction after Sunday's loss, and did not have the appearance of someone who had played his last game in the NFL.
Only time will tell what he chooses to do for the second year of his contract, but if Sunday was his last game, Fletcher couldn't be more proud of his brothers in burgundy and gold.
"I'm so proud of this team," he said. "Besides winning a Super Bowl, this is one of the greatest feelings I've had about a football team."
.
.
.
