The graduating class of my high school – located in a wealthy enclave -- included the children of business tycoons and movie stars, a future first-round draft pick of the New York Yankees, and young entrepreneurs who watched how people in the community had made millions and vowed to be just like them.

By the time of one of my class reunions, one of those entrepreneurs had become a household name and married another household name. At the reunion, the glamorous couple walked in, everyone excited to see them.

Or so I heard. They didn’t work the room long enough to get to my corner, leaving after a very short stay, disappointing the people who wanted to hear some fun tales. Had I known they weren’t circling the room, I would have pushed my way through the crowd at least to get a glimpse.

Hello, Skyler Bell. This is you.

You showed up and suited up – as you promised late in the week to do, even saying you’d talk up the Fenway Bowl with the guys who said they plan to enter the portal.

Bravo.

You ran onto the field with your No. 1 jersey, to be worn again in one final game with your brothers.

Bravo.

UConn fans, their spirits diminished by the loss of head coach Jim Mora to Colorado State, held out hope the key starters on the ultra-successful 2025 Huskies would stick around to play in the Fenway Bowl on Saturday against Army.

You did, even though the moment is a trifle tarnished.

Reports surfaced a few weeks ago that you and record-setting quarterback Joe Fagnano wouldn’t play, instead opting out of the bowl to prepare for the NFL draft.

As a first-team All-American who had 1,278 receiving yards and caught 13 touchdowns this season, you just might be one of the first wide receivers selected at the 2026 NFL Draft in April in Pittsburgh. You didn’t need to play again.

But you did, albeit very briefly. By the second quarter, you were bundled up along the sidelines and not returning to the game.

Skyler – you earned credit for suiting you up and cheering on your team. Every athlete deserves closure and a chance to feel the depth of that brotherhood for a final time.

You’re taking plenty of heat on social media for, the detractors say, not exactly talking the talk and walking the walk.

I understand their disappointment. I understand the mixed emotions you must have experienced in figuring out what was right for you and your future. This is where college football meets the pro sports of today.

I hope other athletes will follow your lead in the future and choose to take a final bow with their teams. Maybe it’s best, however, to temper fans’ expectations about how long they will be seen on the field.

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