"He Has No Potential"

Hello. On the eve of the NFL draft, the start of NHL and NBA playoffs, the beginning of MLB, the end of curling season and thestart of golf in my part of the world, I find myself hearing the word "potential" often.
For some it was a curse to have so much potential. Phil Mickelson comes to mind. John Elway was in that category until he won two Super Bowls.
Then there are others who are felt to have underachieved, even if they had some impressive achievements. Greg Norman. Eric Lindros. Ralph Sampson. Clint Hurdle.
Vince Young of Texas is a strange story. He lead his team to the national championship, beating a tremendous USC team almost singlehandly. He's said to have almost limited potential. Yet his stock seems to be dropping if anything. He may not be drafted in the top 3, which the day after the Rose Bowl would've been almost unthinkable.
How many athletes have ever heard anyone say, "he has no potential"? Maybe I should clarify that by saying How many GREAT athletes have ever heard anyone say "he has no potential"?
I gave a hint of my answer in the second question. The Great One.
Wayne Gretzky and I were born in the same year 30 miles apart. We both played hockey. We both golf.
That's where the similarities end.
How many times did people say Wayne was "too" something - too small, too weak, too short, too light, too slow?
How many times did he prove them wrong?
There have been more talented athletes - Lemieux, Orr, Tiger, Owens, Bonds, Chamberlain, Jordan.....
How many of those athletes had no potential? None.
We're always left wondering with athletes if they fulfilled their potential.
With Gretzky we aren't.
While it's been a rough year for him, I can say Gretzky is still the only elite athlete I've ever seen with no potential.
And that's what makes him the best ever.

Regards,
Steve