[laram0]

Originally Posted by RamWraith

Monday, December 17, 2007
By Nick Wagoner
Senior Writer


Entering Thursday’s game against Pittsburgh at the Edward Jones Dome, Bruce needs just 22 yards to pass James Lofton for third place on said list.


In 2007, Bruce has 46 catches for 607 yards and three touchdowns. Although he won’t reach the 1,000-yard mark like he did in 2006, Bruce remains productive even now in his 14th season.


The question remains, though, as to whether Bruce will be able to achieve those milestones in a Rams uniform. Bruce has one season left on a three-year deal he signed before the 2006 season.

Bruce is due a roster bonus in the coming offseason and in an interview with stlouisrams.com two weeks ago, President John Shaw made it clear that one of the team’s top priorities in the offseason was a speedy receiver capable of stretching the field. That comes on the heels of signing Drew Bennett to a relatively large contract in the offseason.

When all is said and done the harsh reality of the NFL could strike again, making it a possibility that Thursday’s game against Pittsburgh could be Bruce’s final home game as a Ram.

Nobody knows better than Bruce that the NFL is a business. Bruce was a bit surprised when the Rams released him in March of 2006. Although he was brought back into the fold only a couple of days later, Bruce remains cognizant of the economic aspects of the game, but says he hasn’t given any thought to the possibility that it could be his final home game for the Rams.

But that doesn’t mean he wouldn’t like to finish his Hall of Fame career in a Rams uniform.

“I think it’s important for the organization, I think it’s important for the fans, guys who have been here before, guys like Jackie Slater who played his entire career here,” Bruce said. “It is important for me because I have never been anywhere else. I have never expected to leave and go anywhere else and play football. I think it is important that you keep it all in the same family and never have to go somewhere else.”

Of course, nobody knows for sure just how much longer Bruce would like to play, but he has showed few signs of slowing down. Maybe Bruce doesn’t have the extra gear anymore, but he still runs precise routes and remains capable of big plays.

How much longer Bruce wears the horns remains to be seen, but no matter what happens in the offseason, take a moment Thursday night to appreciate and honor not one, but two Rams legends.

This is going to be tough decision for our RAMS. Although Bruce has been productive has he been productive enough? The off season could get ugly. I hope IKE finishes his carreer with our RAMS.