Don't let 'em play...

A few weeks ago, my cousin was in town and we met for dinner. He’s a former NFL player. He played 5yrs as a Wide Receiver with the Kansas City Chiefs. He was always a big, strapping man. As a kid when he would visit, I remember looking at him, through the eyes of a child, thinking he was a solid as The Hulk. Imagine my surprise when through the restaurant door walked a frail man whose gait was hampered by a cane. My cousin sat down gingerly and something went “Snap, Crackle, Pop!” Basically, after 5yrs in the NFL, his body is broken. He’s only 51 and he told me his wife has to tie his shoes. Wait. What? 5yrs!?! That’s all he played. Imagine what’s happening to the people who have prolonged careers. Suddenly, the new rules in place to protect QBs and defenseless receivers seem like they are long overdue. Concussions are still prevalent; I don’t know how many Troy Aikman suffered in his career (sadly, I don’t think he does either). This season my Browns had 3 guys go down with a concussion in one game. And last week, Mohamed Massaquoi suffered another on his first game back from a concussion. Look, I enjoy smashmouth football too: To see punt returners catch the ball, only to get drilled. Or hear the hit that stuffs the running back at the line. And nothing beats the thrill of watching the quarterback get smashed from his blindside. But it’s only a game; a game that only can be played for a short amount of time. Then there is a long life to be had afterwards. Kudos to the NFL for trying to help make that post-career life better, for the lucky few who played. And the next time you’re screaming at your TV, “It’s Football! Let 'em PLAY!”, tie your shoe instead and be grateful that you can.

Kelli