Yes, it’s hard to say goodbye, especially when it is to something that is so meaningful and such a part of you. Maybe that is why they call it ‘for the LOVE of the game’. You start at a young age and progress through the years some eating, drinking and sleeping football feeding that competitive fire then you are fortunate enough to grow into the physical prototype NFL Quarterback, Big Guy, Big Arm and the intelligence to go with it. Still some are not so lucky, they have the physical attributes but sometimes, for some reason or another, things just didn’t click between the ears. The 1998 NFL Draft had two prime examples going 1:01 and 1:02. Two big armed, big guys’ that have enjoyed very productive college careers with the only real difference being one had linage, the other had none. The one with the blood-line 1:01 prospered while the other, 1:02 did not, many won’t argue; due to a lack of maturity and desire?
So now here we are some thirteen years later, Ryan Leaf flamed out and Peyton Manning went on to a lustrous career that will garner NFL Hall of Fame recognition. We all know playing the game at this level is not for the meek, people get hurt and careers can be taken away in one play, it is well documented as is the post years of health when the neurological effects begin to surface and the body breaks down before your fifty. No need to name names we have a good idea of whom these people are, we see the stories all the time, one that is tangible to me is outside the lines and into the ring. I saw Muhammad Ali at the Sky Harbor Airport in 2010 and stood at arm’s reach for a moment in passing, watching him was difficult as the last time I actually talked to him was 36 years earlier when he was autographing a photo for me as I was only a child at the time. This time was not as much of a thrill; I found myself turning away as I wiped the tear from my check and went on my way as this was not what I wanted to remember. When you talk about head and neck trauma you talk about quality of life now and in the future. Why would you want to continue, why risk further detriment to your health? When I hear four neck surgeries, and muscle atrophy at the Thirty five years old it’s time to hang’em up especially if your job involves getting blindsided by 250 pound linebackers. You’ve bank rolled plenty and have accomplished more than so many of your peers. Go now! Go enjoy your family, your life and yes you can still play in Arizona, Just not football.
