Quote:You have not experienced the symptoms he has.  You have not played middle linebacker for an entire college career and in the NFL, so... this is why your judgments come off as extremely ignorant.  Middle linebacker could be the WORST when it comes to concussions. 

 

The guy calling it quits early actually takes courage.  He made the "smart" choice.  He might have kept playing and been fine, but its not cowardly to foresee potential problems and do a risk\reward analysis.  He could easily sign up for the police force tomorrow and consider the rewards greater than the risks.  The reward is serving somebody else and a higher calling.  Playing pro football is mostly about money and glory, not about others.  Families would actually prefer them not play football and seriously hurt themselves.

 

You shouldn't fault somebody for not playing Russian roulette with their mind and body.  that's basically what you're doing if you play for long in the NFL. 

 

How do you know that I haven't had a concussion before?  I certainly have.  And while I didn't play football in college, I did play middle linebacker, sam linebacker, and strong safety in high school.  I also have coached wrestling for 7 years.  I am also a nationally/state registered EMT.  I am far from ignorant on concussions.  

 

This guy, self-admittedly, said he considered only playing 1 season in the NFL even before he was drafted.  He told most of his family as much.  He never told that to the team who would be drafting him or anybody else.  That is very cowardice and selfish behavior.  He can do whatever he wants and try to justify it however he wants - I don't care.  The unfiltered truth is that he quit football because he was afraid of a future injury that hasn't happened.  There is no denying that.  Let's be clear, this wasn't a retirement - it was him quitting.

---