When Juan Manuel Martinez, who goes by the nickname “Burrito,” reached a mutual decision with his club, Salt Lake City’s Real Lago Salado, to terminate his contract, no one knew what was going on. The only context given for the abrupt move was that it was a “personal decision” that he would not only quit the team, but return to his homeland of Argentina.
Both the club and the player wouldn’t get into specifics, fueling the mystery even further. He’s a young player with a lot of promise, so whatever the reason was, it must have been very compelling for him. His contract was reportedly worth more than $1 million per year.
And it was.
This tweet, sent just a few days ago, reveals the reason Martinez stepped away from the game:
A translation from Deadspin reads, “Ex RLS Burrito Martínez reveals that he rescinded his contract with Real Lago Salado to accompany his dog, which has cancer, this semester. Big heart.”
He’s a self-proclaimed animal lover, as he states on his Twitter bio.
In an interview with TyC sports, he opened up on the harrowing circumstances surrounding his departure from MLS:
“One of my dogs has cancer and we are doing chemotherapy. They gave him six months to live. So, I rescinded my contract [with MLS] and the ball was in my court. Given Vélez’s situation and the affection I have for them, because the club isn’t capable of paying loans or buying reinforcements due to their economic problems, said ‘I’ll come, play for six months, I’ll leave the dog and after that continue my career, my personal challenges and my fulfill my dreams.”
In another interview, he revealed that he regularly takes in dogs off the street, cleans them, feeds them, and raises them until they’re well enough to be adopted or see vets.
As mentioned above, his dog likely has six months to live, at which time Martinez will return to the game, though he’s currently without a contract or a team. Hopefully, he’s able to make the most of this selfless time with his pup and transition back into his career when the time comes.
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Grieving couple comforting each other
This response to someone grieving a friend might be the best internet comment ever
When someone is hit with the sudden loss of a friend or loved one, words rarely feel like enough. Yet, more than a decade ago, a wise Redditor named GSnow shared thoughts so profound they still bring comfort to grieving hearts today.
Originally posted around 2011, the now-famous reply was rediscovered when Upvoted, an official Reddit publication, featured it again to remind everyone of its enduring truth. It began as a simple plea for help: “My friend just died. I don't know what to do.”
What followed was a piece of writing that many consider one of the internet’s best comments of all time. It remains shared across social media, grief forums, and personal messages to this day because its honesty and metaphor speak to the raw reality of loss and the slow, irregular path toward healing.
Below is GSnow’s full reply, unchanged, in all its gentle, wave-crashing beauty:
Why this advice still matters
Mental health professionals and grief counselors often describe bereavement in stages or phases, but GSnow’s “wave theory” gives an image more relatable for many. Rather than a linear process, grief surges and retreats—sometimes triggered by a song, a place, or a simple morning cup of coffee.
In recent years, this metaphor has found renewed relevance. Communities on Reddit, TikTok, and grief support groups frequently reshare it to help explain the unpredictable nature of mourning.
Many readers say this analogy helps them feel less alone, giving them permission to ride each wave of grief rather than fight it.
Finding comfort in shared wisdom
Since this comment first surfaced, countless people have posted their own stories underneath it, thanking GSnow and passing the words to others facing fresh heartbreak. It’s proof that sometimes, the internet can feel like a global support group—strangers linked by shared loss and hope.
For those searching for more support today, organizations like The Dougy Center, GriefShare, and local bereavement groups offer compassionate resources. If you or someone you know is struggling with intense grief, please reach out to mental health professionals who can help navigate these deep waters.
When grief comes crashing like the ocean, remember these words—and hang on. There is life between the waves.
This article originally appeared four years ago.