I'm sorry, Rashard

The author, saddened by Rashard Mendenhall's decision to forego his senior season at Illinois, has turned to poetry to help him cope.

I’m sorry, Rashard, for the whines and the grumbles,
that escaped me when you were more prone to have fumbles

In a season, no Illini has had more six point scores,
I’d like to have biceps just half what are yours!

Your burst through the hole, your zig and your zag,
behind you did many a defender lag

A pitch you would take, then emerge from the line,
Oh the fear that would cross a poor cornerback’s mind!

And when in the ‘shoe, not your greatest of days
allowed Juice to throw touchdowns on 4 different plays!

Without you the program does not turn the page,
and travel out west to the sport’s biggest stage

A run at the Heisman sure would have been fun,
an award no Illini ever has won!

But you’re scampering off to the NFL,
I don’t blame you, that wallet is going to swell

So here’s one final message to take as you go,
And begin a successful career as a pro

I thank you for all that you did for us here,
now go give ‘em hell on Sundays next year.