Dear Mr Boyd,
I completely understand your situation. If I was being paid $1.6 million to play footy for two years, I would do it in a heartbeat. You have every right to play out your contract, and choose when you retire. But it's not about money anymore.
It's about legacy.
Your old teammate, the great Darren Lockyer, realised that. Yes, Lockyer was not the same player he was 5 years prior, but his 2011 season was on par with his performance from 2010. He had the opportunity to take the money on offer and move to Widnes in England. But he decided that it was best for his legacy that he retire a Bronco. And he did by giving the rugby league world one of the greatest final play in history.
This past week in America, we've seen another player walk away from money, albeit for a different reason. Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck walked away from $56 million, yes you did read that right, due to his mental health. He simply lost all love for the game after dealing with a multitude of injuries. But to walk away from that kind of money shows strength and dedication to yourself and your family.
Now back to you, Mr Boyd. Can you tell you've regressed? You currently have 2 tries this season, which is on track for the worst year in your career (which includes 2014 and 2015 when you only played a combined 32 games). I understand tries aren't everything, but your defence has regressed to a point where it is nonexistent. It forced Anthony Siebold to move you to five-eighth, where you have done a wonderful job doing everything someone in that position should not due- being passive, not engaging the line, and not being a kicker.
So, Darius, the equation is simple. You can take the money you are entitled to. But with Dearden and O'Sullivan showing promise, this will likely see you dropped to reserve grade, regardless of how much you're being paid or if you're the captain.
Or you can retire. Protect your legacy. And do what the captain should do- what's best for the team. The money freed up by you would go a long way to re-signing Corey Oates and David Fifita Jr. And if you want the money then I'm sure something would be organised. Maybe a coaching deal worth 400k a year over 4 years.
Mr Boyd, the choice is yours. Do what you feel is best for you, your family, and your Broncos. And hope that it's right.