In a heartfelt and moving final goodbye video published with Gatorade, Abby Wambach asks us to forget her — because she wants to leave a legacy "where the ball keeps rolling."
The purpose behind her words is a fine one, to be sure. Theoretically, the day that our memories of her and her amazing work on and off the field fade will be the day that new memories take their place, her place.
But the thing is, we don't just forget legends. Legends stick with us, deep in the catacombs of our minds. Legends, like Abby Wambach, will always be at the forefront of our thoughts.
A countless number of people have been inspired by Abby, and will continue to be inspired by her. Your legacy is what will help women's soccer grow stronger than ever, and flourish in both the present and the future. The records you set, the impact you made and the joy you brought is far too much to ever be buried under new memories.
Every generation has "that athlete": The one that you tell your children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren about, the one that you realize you were spoiled to be able to see in person, the one that has shaped the very face of their sport. For millions of Americans, Abby Wambach is that athlete, that person, that leader.
So we're sorry, Abby. We can't just forget someone like that. We'll do our best to make room in our hearts and minds for those new memories of future stars, but those memories will just sit next to your unforgettable legacy.