Jacksonville Jaguars Fan Forums

I read the story.  Just wow!   He wasn't the most gifted. Had a ton of heart.    And certainly did not deserve that.   Too short even after overcoming all the odds.   Just goes to show never know.  

Quote:Stuff like this makes me genuinely hate the fact I love football and hate even more the fact that I played it.

You shouldn't.  Yes it is horrible this happened but these players know the risk.  They get paid millions of dollars to play a game that could and probably will injure you at some point in time.  Lets be real, the game has improved dramatically.

 

Back in the 60s and 70s players played with broken arms, ribs, etc. Those players were 10x as tough as today's NFL.  Those guys often had to work jobs during the season just to make enough money to get by.

 

The NFL has done a remarkable job on player safety but there are still huge risk.

Quote:Reading stories like this really put this game we all love into perspective. Maybe we should think about this more when we're bashing certain players because they're "scrubs". These guys literally put their lives on the line for what is essentially just a game.

 

Great point. I hate to see comments in which players are called "bums", etc. I know it won't last, but I hope Allen's experience remains with us for quite a while. 

He was doing a fantastic job, but his health is the most important long term.  I feel that he can leave the sport with his head held high based on last years performance regardless of the team's outcome that season.

Quote:They could sign him to a one day contract to allow him to retire as an Jaguar...


Hopefully it get's done...


NH3...

 

He retired.  He was a Jaguar.  So, didn't he do that?

Thanks to the OP for finding this story. What a tragic story. I wish Russell all the best with whatever path he follows from here on out.

Has anyone seen the clip of the hit he took from Wood? Downright creepy when you realize that it gave him a stroke. If I hadn't known what the outcome was, I would have never suspected a thing.

Quote:Has anyone seen the clip of the hit he took from Wood? Downright creepy when you realize that it gave him a stroke. If I hadn't known what the outcome was, I would have never suspected a thing.

 

Yeah, it was a fairly benign hit by NFL standards.  Seeing it now with the knowledge that it forever changed his life is pretty surreal.

Quote:That was quite the sobering story.


I'm so glad that he is at least up and walking around after that. I hope that his life contains fulfillment and satisfaction from here on out.


Jaguar Forever Russell.

This. ^


Good health, best wishes and thanks for the blood, sweat and tears, Russell.

I'm impressed he was not drafted and made it to a starting lineup in the NFL. That speaks of his dedication and resolve. I remember reading a story in the Times Union about him 2 or 3 years ago where he was barely a practice squad guy who always showed up for work with an intensity usually attributed to big name guys. He made the roster as a backup, then as a starter. Good for him.

 

Hopefully he recovers from the stroke and resumes a normal life.

 

 

Regards.................the Chiefjag