Isaac Bruce

The St. Louis Rams and their newly reacquired WR, the legendary Isaac Bruce, will hold a press conference on Wednesday to announce the retirement of Bruce, who holds every major receiving record in Rams franchise history. Bruce played the past two seasons with the San Francisco 49ers, leading them in receiving in 2008-2009, but losing playing time to rookie Michael Crabtree last season. The 49ers showed their respect and consideration for Bruce by trading him back to the Rams yesterday, so that he could retire, appropriately, in St. Louis. Bruce was traded for a conditional draft-pick that will only factor-in if he were to play this season. His retirement Wednesday creates the potential for Bruce to enter the Football Hall of Fame in Canton, alongside quarterback Kurt Warner, if both are fortunate enough to be elected on their first attempt. (We hope it's the case) For more on the situation, see this article on ESPN.com.

Isaac Bruce is one of our favorite receivers here at Lightning in a Bottle and we would like to show our appreciation for his brilliant career. Not only do we wish him the best of of luck in all his future non-football endeavors, but I'd like to take this opportunity to announce that St. Louis Rams #80, Isaac Bruce, will be commemorated here at Lightning in a Bottle with the creation of the Isaac Bruce Award.

The Isaac Bruce Award will be given at the end of every NFL season to the receiver who exhibits recognizable excellence in the dragging of toes along the boundary lines to complete catches. For those that have followed Bruce's illustrious career, it should be well-known that Isaac Bruce was the single best toe/foot dragger that the NFL could boast. His proficiency in this skill has been rivaled in the past by greats like Cris Carter, and is strived for by current receivers, such as Santonio Holmes.

I'd once again like to thank Mr. Bruce for all that he has given us as fans of the sport of football, and hope that perhaps someday, he will come across this award and appreciate the very little we are able to give back to him.

-APT