For men who’ve been immersed in football to the exclusion of all else since high school, leaving the league can be crushing, as they have no idea how other people live, much less find work. And the league’s younger alumni are “five times as likely” as their non-NFL age counterparts to have problems with mobility and strength, from walking stairs to lifting objects. But despite the risks, which the players know well, the NFL’s tough-guy mentality resists change, and players have bristled against new rules designed to lighten the impact.
"I don't really know too much about the facts and allegations of what's going on." -- C.J. Anderson, Broncos running backWhy ... would anyone want to play in the NFL?
I've written about my relationship with football in the past. You can check my badged posts for something people liked on there when I was ranting. But one of the big aspects of playing football for a lot of people is a sad one that you see often: poverty. As much as we'd like to see it as the allure of fame and fortune, many communities have football as central to life, and when living in poor neighborhoods, it's seen as the only way to get out. Too poor for college? Football scholarship. Don't have the grades? Football. It's also something that, if you're good enough, can absolutely gain you enough money to save yourself and your family. In more candid moments from players and ex-players, you'll hear them talk about knowing that they're sacrificing their minds and bodies for the insurance that they, their kids, and their parents will be provided for. This isn't to say that a large percentage of them don't enjoy it, just that if they had the opportunities as kids, or perhaps some more perspective into how dangerous it is, they probably would have done something else if they could. It's not a coincidence that you'll find a socioeconomic divide from different positions. People from more comfortable upbringings usually are QBs. They take the least damage. Those from comfortable upbringings that played more hard-hitting positions eventually leave young, because they have that option. When you're good at linebacker and you're poor, and it's your only choice, you stick with it. I truly believe the more information about the harm, the better. The more it's spread, the less people will consider playing. I believe the sport is already starting its demise and I celebrate it. It needs to go. Forcing it won't work, it has to be through people slowly understanding that it's fucked up, and I speak as someone who has considered themselves a fan. I still do in many ways. But I fear that the mass of people won't truly begin to examine that until a death occurs on field at the professional level. And I'm terrified knowing that moment is at the point of occurring. It's just going to me one freak mistake in the next few years. (Extremely important to note the sad fact that many, many high school football players have died on field in the last few years. At one point this year, one had died every week for at least the first six weeks of the traditional season.
I currently play soccer, at age 41, in a men's over-30 league. I pay to play the game I love. Doubt I'd continue playing if I find that this game is destroying my body and mind. On the contrary,one of my teammates is 56 and is an inspiration to me. This dude notches a goal every game or two. He's competitive with guys 20 years younger and is a picture of health. I play because it keeps me healthy and fit. As spectators of NFL football, shouldn't we all bear some responsibility in disclosing the true cost of a career in the NFL to all players?