Very Sad Story on Former Steeler Antwaan Randle El

[PittPoker]

Says he wished he never played football. Now only 5 years removed from the game he is losing his memory and can't walk down the stairs. Sounds like early stages of CTE.

I tell you, these owners and the league making billions and billions while covering up for decades the real truth about concussions and the brutality involved.

Just sad.

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/former-nfl-player-regrets-playing-201247271.html

 

[ameoba defense]

Randle-El wasn't on the field that much in the NFL. I bet the majority of his problems stem from the 4 years he played qb at at Indiana. He was the center of that team, and took a ton of hits.

 

[OriginalEther]

Maybe but they hit a lot harder in the NFL.
Though, that you mention it, how prevalent is this problem in the ncaa, among players who don't sniff the pros and thus get a whole lot less attention.

 

[OH Pete]

Randle-El wasn't on the field that much in the NFL. I bet the majority of his problems stem from the 4 years he played qb at at Indiana. He was the center of that team, and took a ton of hits.

Agree. Outside of the strength of the hits in the NFL, he probably took 1/10 of the shots that he took in college and high school. I'm guessing he either passed or ran himself about 80% of the snaps at those levels.

 

[oldpantherfan]

Why are you guys in denial. 4 years in college, 8 years in the NFL. I think his NFL time is significant in his issues. Either way it is sad, and the NCAA with it's cover up, etc is just as bad if not worse than the NFL. They should be investigated and sue just like the NFL.

 

[eyebugs]

I too feel bad he is having issues now.. However to play devils advocate in this instance, I dont see where he had an MRI or any other medical testing to diagnose his particular issues.. Sure it could be and very well may be football related, but lets not jump to conclusions.. Science always requires a burden of proof..

 

[ameoba defense]

Why are you guys in denial. 4 years in college, 8 years in the NFL. I think his NFL time is significant in his issues. Either way it is sad, and the NCAA with it's cover up, etc is just as bad if not worse than the NFL. They should be investigated and sue just like the NFL.

Sure his NFL time is significant, but he probably touched the ball 4-5 time a game in the pros. He was a running qb at Indiana, and I believe he started for 4 years. He probably got hit 25-30 times a game, and while the players are not as good as in the NFL, they are plenty big. Players at the lower levels are the hidden problem here. The pros get paid well for the risks they take. Players at the lower levels, not so much. There are thousands of guys in their 50's. and 60's limping around with bad knees and hips from high school football. How many are out there with CTE as well? Will parents keep their sons from playing football? What about at the midget football level? I see kids getting lit up at that level too, and brains and bones are not fully developed at that point. What's the risk there?

 

[9nationalchampionships]

Baseline testing going forward is a significant step towards minimizing CTE. CTE is a progressive disease that usually takes years to form. I would be in favor of testing every player every week or so. I feel bad for Antwaan and actually played with him a fundraising foursome at Southpoint years ago. He is a good person!

 

[KennyTheKangaroo]

Remember, the guy returned punts and kicks too. It is fairly well documented that special teams add another element of danger to the game.

His NFL career was 155 games including the playoffs. That is a lot of miles on those tires.

 

[pittdan77]

There are a ton of myths regarding concussions and CTE.

First, CTE cannot be diagnosed by an MRI or CT scan. You have to wait til the subject dies and then examine the brain. That's why guys like Junior Seau shoot themselves in the chest.

Second, the "strength" of the hit is meaningless. It's the repeated hits. Even snapping your head without impact. Big hits are bad too. But even "minor" , constant dings are a big deal.

Finally, there isn't a single study that directly links playing football to CTE. Most of these guys have other things going on that makes it impossible to say there is a direct cause and effect. Whether it's PED's or drug/alcohol abuse or other psychological issues, it's very difficult to scientifically link the two. Doesn't mean it's not true. But this is where the NFL stands on the issue and they are at least technically correct.

Minor brain injuries are something that the medical community is just now starting to recognize as problematic. The increased focus on youth sports and sitting players down that are exhibiting symptoms is all fantastic. Most of us played the game and "got our bell rung" a time or two. That feeling of disorientation and confusion that you shook off quickly can become permanent. Imagine how that feels. Memory loss is terrible when it's permanent. Short and long term. Crowds, bright light, loud noises amp up your anxiety. It's not fun at all.

I really feel for a guy like Randle-El.

 

[Swervin27]

anybody who has the opportunity to play professional baseball AND Football, and chooses football, should have their head examined.. Chris Stewart is gonna make 4 million dolllars a year. Chris Stewart. Unless you are a die hard bucco fan, you don't even know who chris stewart is..

 

[King Of All Message Boards]

anybody who has the opportunity to play professional baseball AND Football, and chooses football, should have their head examined.. Chris Stewart is gonna make 4 million dolllars a year. Chris Stewart. Unless you are a die hard bucco fan, you don't even know who chris stewart is..

The 4 mil is for 3 years but probably doesn't change the argument too much.

 

[Swervin27]

The 4 mil is for 3 years but probably doesn't change the argument too much.

You are right, my bad.. OK, bad example but yes, my point does remains.

 

[TD_6082]

I love Randle-El, so I don't want to sound too cynical. But honestly, the things described in the article really don't seem all that bad, assuming they don't get a lot worse. Those are things that happen with age, regardless if you play football or not. Joints get worse, memory gets worse, eyesight gets worse...

However, the main reason I'm cynical is because I can't help but to link of some of his hyperbole to the current situation at his school. (dropping the football program due to lack of funding) I mean for a guy that had as much success as he did playing football, and enjoying the financial benefits that come along with that, to say that you regret playing seems to be a stretch. Its far from a sure thing to say that he would have had the same success if he had chosen baseball. ...Then finally the statement that he made that he wouldn't be surprised if there is no football in 20 to 25 years... I think we all know that isn't going to be reality.

Regardless, he's a great guy and he's does a lot of great things instead of just talk about it. I hope there is nothing serious going on with his health.

 

[eyebugs]

There are a ton of myths regarding concussions and CTE.

First, CTE cannot be diagnosed by an MRI or CT scan. You have to wait til the subject dies and then examine the brain. That's why guys like Junior Seau shoot themselves in the chest.

Second, the "strength" of the hit is meaningless. It's the repeated hits. Even snapping your head without impact. Big hits are bad too. But even "minor" , constant dings are a big deal.

Finally, there isn't a single study that directly links playing football to CTE. Most of these guys have other things going on that makes it impossible to say there is a direct cause and effect. Whether it's PED's or drug/alcohol abuse or other psychological issues, it's very difficult to scientifically link the two. Doesn't mean it's not true. But this is where the NFL stands on the issue and they are at least technically correct.

Minor brain injuries are something that the medical community is just now starting to recognize as problematic. The increased focus on youth sports and sitting players down that are exhibiting symptoms is all fantastic. Most of us played the game and "got our bell rung" a time or two. That feeling of disorientation and confusion that you shook off quickly can become permanent. Imagine how that feels. Memory loss is terrible when it's permanent. Short and long term. Crowds, bright light, loud noises amp up your anxiety. It's not fun at all.

I really feel for a guy like Randle-El.

The value of the MRI in his case would be to rule out other medical conditions which may be mimicking CTE.. All I am saying is just because a former football player has memory issues doesnt mean he is suffering from CTE... He may be but he may not be as well..

 

[Panther Parrothead]

Randle-El wasn't on the field that much in the NFL. I bet the majority of his problems stem from the 4 years he played qb at at Indiana. He was the center of that team, and took a ton of hits.

You bring-up a good point. Our own TD took a lot of hits in the NFL, but those of us who were there to see his Pitt playing days saw Tony get the crap beat out of him. He was everyone's target, and I doubt that there are statistics about this, but he took A LOT of late/out-of-bounds hits, too. Those 4 years at Pitt had to have taken their toll on his well-being.

 

[pittdan77]

The value of the MRI in his case would be to rule out other medical conditions which may be mimicking CTE.. All I am saying is just because a former football player has memory issues doesnt mean he is suffering from CTE... He may be but he may not be as well..

Sorry. You are correct.

 

[Pittx9]

You bring-up a good point. Our own TD took a lot of hits in the NFL, but those of us who were there to see his Pitt playing days saw Tony get the crap beat out of him. He was everyone's target, and I doubt that there are statistics about this, but he took A LOT of late/out-of-bounds hits, too. Those 4 years at Pitt had to have taken their toll on his well-being.

That's a real problem now IMO. TD getting hit out of bounds all the time probably did affect what happened to him a lot. How about Antonio Brown last week? Guy gets a concussion because some goon came after him for no reason. So you can make the game as safe as you want, but what will you do when a guy gets a concussion because of a blatant cheap shot?

 

[Panther Parrothead]

That's a real problem now IMO. TD getting hit out of bounds all the time probably did affect what happened to him a lot. How about Antonio Brown last week? Guy gets a concussion because some goon came after him for no reason. So you can make the game as safe as you want, but what will you do when a guy gets a concussion because of a blatant cheap shot?

You bring-up a good point about AB. So the perp got a 3-game suspension. In the overall scheme of things, that was a slap on the wrist.

Is there any doubt in anyone's mind that if the Steelers would've had AB versus the Broncos, that it would be the Steelers going to the AFC title game? A player getting injured as a part of "regular" play is one thing; but when the injury was the result of a deliberate attempt to injure, the penalty should be so astronomical that no player would ever want to risk it.

 

[Swervin27]

Wait a minute... The nfl is to blame? Last I checked no one made the guy play football. Are we that pathetic as a society that we are going to blame the nfl for not letting him know what could happen.
So they made billions. Good for them. They are a business and last I checked that was the point of being in business. The nfl is not some communist/fascist regime sentencing players to play a sport. Everyone has the freedom to play, and for the millions these guys make I am sure the reward is pretty good. It is our responsibility to be smart enough to weigh the cost/benefit. That is life.

People like to take on the giant, knock them off the perch, make them the villain.. Let's attack the NFL, let's attack Goodell, its a conspiracy.. NFL will not exist in 20 years..LOL.. Sure it wont.. High school football will be outlawed and they'll be playing 7 on 7 flag football across the land. LOL, sure they will..

What I would like to see, and I doubt it will but I would like to see the evolution of the NFL lead to shortened careers and much more turnover with players.. That would be so great from a fan's point of view. No more 12-15 year careers, get these players in and out within 5 years. Good for them because they will still be millionaires but they'll be able to put two words together in their early 40's and great for the fans because we'll see new players twice a decade... No more of watching the same players play for the better part of 2 decades.. But in reality, you really cant tell someone to retire in the prime of their career if they don't want to.. It's downright un-American..

 

[adam9961]

Everyone has the freedom of choice. I don't care if the nfl covers up concussion related issues or not. Their goal is to make money, and on the plus side they set up a league that is well managed to give these guys the opportunity to make a lot more money than players 30 years ago. If they are truly so terrible its up to the players to decide to do something. Regardless, if someone doesn't understand that a high intensity game comes with potential for issues than they probably aren't smart enough to make much for themselves elsewhere. Now, I will argue that there is the issue of discipline and making a choice with all the potential of making millions, but it is a high risk high reward choice. I really don't think the nfl should be to blame. These guys know what they are getting into nowadays.

For the old timers it is different, because they got paid poorly, and really got screwed.

 

[PittPoker]

Everyone has the freedom of choice. I don't care if the nfl covers up concussion related issues or not. Their goal is to make money, and on the plus side they set up a league that is well managed to give these guys the opportunity to make a lot more money than players 30 years ago. If they are truly so terrible its up to the players to decide to do something. Regardless, if someone doesn't understand that a high intensity game comes with potential for issues than they probably aren't smart enough to make much for themselves elsewhere. Now, I will argue that there is the issue of discipline and making a choice with all the potential of making millions, but it is a high risk high reward choice. I really don't think the nfl should be to blame. These guys know what they are getting into nowadays.

For the old timers it is different, because they got paid poorly, and really got screwed.

Huh??

 

[Pittx9]

You bring-up a good point about AB. So the perp got a 3-game suspension. In the overall scheme of things, that was a slap on the wrist.

Is there any doubt in anyone's mind that if the Steelers would've had AB versus the Broncos, that it would be the Steelers going to the AFC title game? A player getting injured as a part of "regular" play is one thing; but when the injury was the result of a deliberate attempt to injure, the penalty should be so astronomical that no player would ever want it.

Exactly. They asked on the Fan if you would trade places with a pro football player (money, fame, etc.) knowing there's a good chance you will suffer these problems later in life. I would do it in a heartbeat and never look back. Totally worth the risk IMO. For one, you would never survive the NFL without loving the game of football. Secondly, you know what you're signing up for.

But along with that, already knowing you're playing a dangerous game is bad enough. Now you have to worry about getting your head taken off by some angry psycho who only cares about doing just that. IMO that's just like breaking one of those unwritten rules in sports. It's already a dangerous game, so don't go out there and try and it make worse for another player with cheap shots to the head.

Any opinions on this, would it be crossing the line in cases like that to almost forget they were playing football? What I mean is when Burfict goes after Brown in a clearly dirty move and Brown gets concussed, look at it as any person that just knocked some guy cold. If this concussion causes problems for AB later in life, make Burfict pay for his medical bills. To even begin to address the issue you have to start with guys like AB getting concussed in a situation where they should've never even been taken to the ground.

 

[Pittx9]

But in reality, you really cant tell someone to retire in the prime of their career if they don't want to.. It's downright un-American..

What about yearly pre-season exams to see if every player's brain is healthy enough to take the hits dished out in the game of football? If you're 26, but you've had 4 concussions already, so be it. You get a settlement payment from the league and are forced to retire.

 

[Swervin27]

What about yearly pre-season exams to see if every player's brain is healthy enough to take the hits dished out in the game of football? If you're 26, but you've had 4 concussions already, so be it. You get a settlement payment from the league and are forced to retire.

I like it.. Have a ton of respect for these players leaving the game in their prime.. Good for them, make the money and get out. Benefits all involved. Them for health, fans because we get to see someone new.. The line to replace these guys is endless, get em out and next man up..

 

[ricflair4LIFE]

As long as players get bigger and faster. We'll see more of this happening.

 

[Pittx9]

I like it.. Have a ton of respect for these players leaving the game in their prime.. Good for them, make the money and get out. Benefits all involved. Them for health, fans because we get to see someone new.. The line to replace these guys is endless, get em out and next man up..

That is the smart way to do it. No problem with guys playing 10+ plus years though. However, these guys have such big egos a lot of them would not retire even with concussion related problems. Sometimes somebody else needs to step in and tell him they can not go on any longer.

That being said, say AB would've gotten a severe concussion. Doesn't play at Denver and the season is over. Comes to camp and they deem him unfit to continue playing football. Burfict gets a hefty fine and is banned for life. If you're going to take it that route, a guy like that who was the sole reason for the concussion should be gone as well.

 

[ncyajleel]

That's my thought. Only the NFL players are getting the attention for this, what about those who never played there and the damage was done in high school and college? Kids get football concussions on every level, even the little league level believe it or not.

Maybe but they hit a lot harder in the NFL.
Though, that you mention it, how prevalent is this problem in the ncaa, among players who don't sniff the pros and thus get a whole lot less attention.

 

[KiwiJeff]

Says he wished he never played football. Now only 5 years removed from the game he is losing his memory and can't walk down the stairs. Sounds like early stages of CTE.

I tell you, these owners and the league making billions and billions while covering up for decades the real truth about concussions and the brutality involved.

Just sad.

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/former-nfl-player-regrets-playing-201247271.html

If I had a son, I would never let him play FB.

 

[raleighpanther]

And that is exactly what will kill football. Forget MRIs, lawsuits, what the NFL knew, etc. Parents aren't letting their kids play anymore.

Participation in junior league football is down dramatically in the past few years, and its a direct result of increased knowledge and awareness and responsible decisions being made by parents. And participation will continue to decline every year.

As Randall-El said "Football players are in a car wreck every week." Who wants to sign their kid up for that?

And high schools will continue to drop the sport due to the cost and due to injuries (more costs).

The sport will continue to exist professionally, just as boxing has survived and continues on as a sport. But boxing is a distant shadow of what it was in the 50s, when it was a big time sport, when 'Friday Night Fights' were shown in primetime on one of the 3 network channels (when there were only 3).

Football will become just a gladiator sport, which it practically is already. But few kids will play it outside of depressed areas. In depressed areas, the chance to become a money making gladiator with all of the risks may still be seen as preferable to the alternatives, so it will survive there. Same thing happened to boxing.

How this will impact the college game, and how quickly it will happen, remains to be seen.

 

[PittPoker]

Tomlin wouldn't even address it in his press conference today, pretty pathetic. Randle-El put his body on the line for years, a loyal player and Tomlin doesn't want to talk about it.

That is pretty upsetting to me.

 

[ameoba defense]

Tomlin wouldn't even address it in his press conference today, pretty pathetic. Randle-El put his body on the line for years, a loyal player and Tomlin doesn't want to talk about it.

That is pretty upsetting to me.

Randle El played one year under Tomlin. He actually left before Cowher did.

 

[Panther Parrothead]

Tomlin wouldn't even address it in his press conference today, pretty pathetic. Randle-El put his body on the line for years, a loyal player and Tomlin doesn't want to talk about it.

That is pretty upsetting to me.

I didn't hear the press conference, so I don't know how he skirted around it. But maybe he's under a gag order?

And besides, there aren't very many people who'd bite the hand that feeds 'em; most of 'em would never find another job that provides the standard of living that the NFL does.

 

[Swervin27]

And that is exactly what will kill football. Forget MRIs, lawsuits, what the NFL knew, etc. Parents aren't letting their kids play anymore.

Participation in junior league football is down dramatically in the past few years, and its a direct result of increased knowledge and awareness and responsible decisions being made by parents. And participation will continue to decline every year.

As Randall-El said "Football players are in a car wreck every week." Who wants to sign their kid up for that?

And high schools will continue to drop the sport due to the cost and due to injuries (more costs).

The sport will continue to exist professionally, just as boxing has survived and continues on as a sport. But boxing is a distant shadow of what it was in the 50s, when it was a big time sport, when 'Friday Night Fights' were shown in primetime on one of the 3 network channels (when there were only 3).

Football will become just a gladiator sport, which it practically is already. But few kids will play it outside of depressed areas. In depressed areas, the chance to become a money making gladiator with all of the risks may still be seen as preferable to the alternatives, so it will survive there. Same thing happened to boxing.

How this will impact the college game, and how quickly it will happen, remains to be seen.

it's this nonsense that infuriates me.. Football is as popular as it's ever been.. NFL is so far ahead of the other professional leagues, it's not even funny.. College football is making more money now than ever... Football is not going anywhere. NFL isn't shutting down because a couple over-bearing parents are gonna hold little johnny from joining pee wee league. STOP IT, you sound foolish..

 

[raleighpanther]

Well, Swervin, I was expecting this reply from someone.

First of all, you misread what I wrote. I didn't say the NFL was shutting down, in fact, I said the opposite, "The sport will continue to exist professionally."

And is LeBron James an over-bearing parent? Because LeBron doesn't want his kids playing football, a sport that he says is his first love, more than basketball. And many ex-players don't want their kids playing either. Its not over-bearing to have your kid play basketball, soccer, lacrosse, or several other physical sports, all of which come with injuries, instead of football or boxing, which both cause brain damage. Its simply a smart decision, that is, if you care about the health of your son's brain.

The sport of football is undoubtedly more popular than any other in America. I wasn't being foolish, I know that. And I think its popularity as a SPECTATOR sport will continue for many years. But the pipeline of players will slow and narrow, and that's not a projection, its an observable fact. Youth football numbers are suddenly WAY down in many areas.

In areas, such as small Texas towns, football is embedded into the local culture and will continue there longer than in other places, but even that is not a guarantee. Baseball was an important part of black culture in America for a long time, and the cultural importance of Jackie Robinson only enhanced it, and by the early 70s, over 25% of all MLB players were black (U.S. born). But within about 20 years, the percentage fell to under 5%, as other sports, football and basketball, simply replaced baseball. I know a few older black guys who still can't believe that the change happened. The point is, a sports popularity -- as a sport that people play, not just watch -- can change quickly. The current popularity of football on TV doesn't guarantee anything in terms of what kids will play.

 

[Swervin27]

Well, Swervin, I was expecting this reply from someone.

First of all, you misread what I wrote. I didn't say the NFL was shutting down, in fact, I said the opposite, "The sport will continue to exist professionally."

And is LeBron James an over-bearing parent? Because LeBron doesn't want his kids playing football, a sport that he says is his first love, more than basketball. And many ex-players don't want their kids playing either. Its not over-bearing to have your kid play basketball, soccer, lacrosse, or several other physical sports, all of which come with injuries, instead of football or boxing, which both cause brain damage. Its simply a smart decision, that is, if you care about the health of your son's brain.

The sport of football is undoubtedly more popular than any other in America. I wasn't being foolish, I know that. And I think its popularity as a SPECTATOR sport will continue for many years. But the pipeline of players will slow and narrow, and that's not a projection, its an observable fact. Youth football numbers are suddenly WAY down in many areas.

In areas, such as small Texas towns, football is embedded into the local culture and will continue there longer than in other places, but even that is not a guarantee. Baseball was an important part of black culture in America for a long time, and the cultural importance of Jackie Robinson only enhanced it, and by the early 70s, over 25% of all MLB players were black (U.S. born). But within about 20 years, the percentage fell to under 5%, as other sports, football and basketball, simply replaced baseball. I know a few older black guys who still can't believe that the change happened. The point is, a sports popularity -- as a sport that people play, not just watch -- can change quickly. The current popularity of football on TV doesn't guarantee anything in terms of what kids will play.

I think we over value this trickle down theory, or actually trickle up theory with youth sports effecting professional/collegiate sports down the road.. I remember being younger and hearing everyone talk about youth soccer in America, how popular it has become and how this will improve professional soccer in the US. Makes sense, more kids play, more kids are better at it and they grow up.. That was late 80's/early 90's, any day now the US is going to compete at a global level because more 6 year olds are playing soccer.. Truth is, it's really the only sport a 6 year old kid can play and not be a major waste of time..

Are less kids playing football? Yeah, maybe.. More options now than there were 30 - 40 years ago.. But the higher levels of football, high school, collegiate and professional are doing just fine and will continue to attract the top talent.. For every nfl player that retires early to save his brain, there are thousands of talented athletes ready to jump in his place. Same for college.. The game has never been better..

As far as the game diminishing, Compare the athletic talent of these players now compare to 20 years ago, 30 years ago.. All I hear about is how with less kids playing, the talent level will decrease. The opposite is happening. Football players are more athletic now than ever..

Parents dont want their kids to play sports, fine, they are your children so raise them how you like. Just don't kid yourself in thinking your actions are going to have a detrimental effect to a multi billion dollar industry. A couple soccer moms and effeminate fathers holding back their sons from playing football will not effect the game..

 

[Panther Parrothead]

Well, Swervin, I was expecting this reply from someone.

First of all, you misread what I wrote. I didn't say the NFL was shutting down, in fact, I said the opposite, "The sport will continue to exist professionally."

And is LeBron James an over-bearing parent? Because LeBron doesn't want his kids playing football, a sport that he says is his first love, more than basketball. And many ex-players don't want their kids playing either. Its not over-bearing to have your kid play basketball, soccer, lacrosse, or several other physical sports, all of which come with injuries, instead of football or boxing, which both cause brain damage. Its simply a smart decision, that is, if you care about the health of your son's brain.

The sport of football is undoubtedly more popular than any other in America. I wasn't being foolish, I know that. And I think its popularity as a SPECTATOR sport will continue for many years. But the pipeline of players will slow and narrow, and that's not a projection, its an observable fact. Youth football numbers are suddenly WAY down in many areas.

In areas, such as small Texas towns, football is embedded into the local culture and will continue there longer than in other places, but even that is not a guarantee. Baseball was an important part of black culture in America for a long time, and the cultural importance of Jackie Robinson only enhanced it, and by the early 70s, over 25% of all MLB players were black (U.S. born). But within about 20 years, the percentage fell to under 5%, as other sports, football and basketball, simply replaced baseball. I know a few older black guys who still can't believe that the change happened. The point is, a sports popularity -- as a sport that people play, not just watch -- can change quickly. The current popularity of football on TV doesn't guarantee anything in terms of what kids will play.

Troy Polamalu has said basically the same thing, and he's steering his kids toward soccer.

Personally, there's no way that I'd let a kid play football before high school, and certainly not before he's been doing some serious weight training with focus on neck strength. I don't get the idea behind some parents letting their elementary school -aged kids play "travel" football. Whose needs are being met - the kid or the parents?

 

[ClarkLotTgate]

Mike n Mike were talking about this morning how Randle El sorta backed is way out of his post-gazette interview quotes. Saying that he probably forgets things because he has 5 kids, rather than just because he took hits to his head... and he was also part of the lawsuit against the NFL.

As for general thought on the topic: it's all about your options.
-if someone got into college, and earned their degree because they were a football player, what alternative option did they have to not playing?
-see it's easy to say "it's football's fault" but if the other option was to be a laborer, and barely graduate HS..... what would you chose?

I know that's making assumptions, but at a varsity athlete, i'm being realistic. A reasonable amount of my peers would not have been admitted to the university, and some sadly enough really had no business being in college- other than their ability to play football.

So at the end of the day, will some have nagging injuries. headaches, and other impact related problems...sure.
Would that group i'm speaking of gone to college, and had all of the non-football opportunities open to them without football (which is what got them into, and got them through college)? Probably not.

It's all about your options. If were drafted by baseball (like El or Wilson) then i can see the thought of choosing the other sport; but that's certainly not the majority.

 

[QuitCallingMeWanny]

Why should I feel bad for people who choose to do this and make more money that most of us will ever see in a lifetime? Seriously they choose to play football

 

[persp]

What about those who dont make money from the sport? Do you feel bad for them? This isnt an NFL issue. It is a football issue.

This guy went to my high school while I was there and my sister is very good friends with his. This can happen to any player, even those with great physical strength.

http://nyti.ms/1DA2Mx9