Former NFL quarterback Kurt Warner recently had an article done on him and the many concussions he received through his 12 year tenure. He stated that nobody ever forced him to play in the weeks following blows that caused Warner to have many concussions. However, he did say "But you wondered if guys were looking at you a little differently and saying ... he's not being tough." The fact is while many of these athletes are in the league they are playing through pain so they don't have that label, and give their team the best shot at winning. What they don't see is a possible future turnout of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE)which is a disease closely related to that of dimentia where many NFL athletes will suffer a range of problems, including memory loss, rage, and possible depression and suicidal tendencies. Coming from my point of view I would have to say I might not play through a concussion due to the many players who come out of the league and develop CTE. As an athlete though they need to play as many games as possible in order to be able to sign a contract in upcoming years. There aren't many managers out there who are willing to pay for a quarterback or any player for that matter who is going to sit out most of the season.
I have heard of this happening to many retired NFL athletes later on in their lives. I know that concussions and how they are effecting these men later on in life are a big issue now. Companies are always trying to come up with more efficient styles of helmets that will help to reduce the severity of concussions or avoid it all together. However, due to the blunt force and size of these players it makes it very difficult to avoid injury. It is never smart to play when injured because you are just furthering your chances of a full recovering and could possibly increase your chances of having lasting effects from it later on. I think it is such a bad idea for these players to not speak up when they know something is wrong just because they are concerned about what other players and coaches might think. If that was me I too would be more worried about what is going to result from that decision in the years to follow. However, I can see where the players are coming from in that coaches and teamates want players that will tough it out and not have too much downtime. It is a fine line.
ReplyDeleteVery interesting blog! first one and it was really interesting to read about! I cant belive that he played through that.. I wouldn't have been able to do that and I dont know many people that could do that. These players should speak up and say if they are hurt because they could get even worse if something else happened to them. It is hard not to play when you know you can or want too but not supposed to be palying.
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