Risk Vs. Reward: NFL players value their health more
Rondo Thompson, Staff Writer
Today’s sports community has said goodbye to one of the greats, a thought that saddens sports fans. At some point in any athlete’s career, one must “call it quits” or “hang it up.” Some choose to leave the game on their own while others leave because of old age, injuries or lack of performance.
Sports players are valuing the risk of their long-term health and are now retiring in the prime of their careers. This has become a trend in the NFL with over 12 players calling it quits before the age of 30.
Former San Francisco 49ers linebacker Chris Borland hung it just after one season at the age of 23. Borland said his concern was the long-term effects of repetitive head trauma.
The NFL greats and future Hall of Famers Calvin Johnson, MarShawn and Charles Woodson have hung up their cleats. Johnson, seen as one the best WR the game has ever seen, retired after only nine seasons at the age of 30, just after signing a mega-contract. Johnson said after years of football, his body just wasn’t what it use to be. Johnson’s abilities are not at 100 percent but he is still highly ranked.
Players have started taking into account their futures and how the effects of playing an aggressive sport will affect their health in the long run.
