It is that time of year: time to take stock, make plans, set goals. Here are a few New Year's Resolutions for a few national sports figures:
Troy Polamalu: Play with 200 percent intensity instead of 250 percent.
Certainly, his talent is unmatched, his commitment unquestioned, but when you play with all-out reckless abandon, injuries are more likely to happen, especially as a player gets older. As hard as it may be for an amazing competitor like Polamalu, if the pro-bowler could reign himself in just a little bit, he might spend more time on the field and less on the sidelines.
No question, Polamalu's tremendous drive is one of the reasons for his great success; playing at even 50 percent, he would probably still be better than most of his competition. On and off the field, Polamalu has one of the biggest hearts and deepest souls in the game.
The Steelers could have used the talent, heart and soul of their defensive game-breaker during the many weeks he sat out this season.
Brett Favre: Make a decision about 2010 soon, and then stick to it.
There have been many lengthy debates about Favre's history of retiring and then un-retiring, and how it may hurt his final legacy. Favre is right when he says it is his legacy to worry about, not ours. However, in the interest of fairness and good business, Favre should let the Vikings know sooner rather than later whether he plans to return next year.
The future Hall of Famer has proven he's still got it, becoming the first quarterback in league history to throw for 3,000 yards in 19 seasons. If he says he's coming back, he should return in time for training camp. The coaches can decide if he can take it easy during the pre-season, but it's only right for the field general to start leading his team from day-one.
Urban Meyer: Florida's two-time national championship-winning football coach should take good care of himself.
With his priorities in order, Meyer realized the toll the stress of his job was taking on his health and did the right thing in stepping down, at least for now. It is far more important to be there for your children's graduations, weddings and everyday activities than to win more national titles at the risk of your heart and health.
Russ Rose: The Penn State women's volleyball coach should just keep doing what he's doing.
It's hard enough to win one NCAA championship, let alone go back-to-back. But to battle back from two games down in the final match to clinch a third straight national title is an accomplishment for the ages.
Certainly, Rose can have his pick of recruits nationally and even beyond the U.S. borders. Already in the hall of fame, there's not much more to achieve. The rest of the volleyball world should resolve to emulate the Penn State program.
Goodman can be reached at kgoodman@amcvb.com. Her column appears on Tuesdays.
