365 Blog Challenge: Post #26
"The stress to play is high, even if injured! You don't complain because there is always someone to take your place if you don't perform. People don't understand the amount of stress that is put on players to play. So you play through your pain."
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The above quote is from a study conducted at the School of Medicine at Washington University in St. Louis. The quoted individual is a former NFL player, one of many who was interviewed for a study regarding pain-killer abuse/misuse and retired NFL players. The study results, though not surprising, should be a big wake up call to the NFL. It proves that retired NFL players are much more likely to abuse/misuse prescription pain killers than ordinary people, and they don't always get the drugs from a legal source.
As a health care professional, I am constantly put off by how little concern is given to NFL players bodies. Concussions are especially concerning given the new research that shows early dementia in retired NFL players who suffered concussions. The research at Washington U highlighted the high number of retired NFL players who misuse pain killers, the most common reasons being uncontrolled pain, undiagnosed concussions and heavy alcohol use. While it isn't surprising that a former professional athlete will have pain, he (or she) used his body to a greater extent in his 5-10 year career than an ordinary person will in, I'd guess, 60-70 years, the extent of this pain and the inability to control it is concerning.
I am always put off when players play injured, especially after concussions. While I understand that using their body is part of the game, I wonder if the players realize that there is life after the game, and their bodies aren't always worth the sacrifice of winning. While winning an Superbowl (or World Series or NBA championship, etc) would be an amazing accomplishment, who cares if you spend the rest of your life addicted to pain medication or depressed or demented due to undiagnosed or untreated concussions? Sure, the league is cracking down on helmet-to-helmet offenders. But now they league wants to extend the regular season by 2 games? Isn't that somewhat hypocritical? And for what purpose? To make more money? They don't make enough money as it is? There isn't any other way to cut back without forcing already injured and fatigued players into 2 more grueling games where countless more injuries can occur?
I understand playing football is a choice, and to be honest, I love watching the game. I just think that something in the NFL (and other professional sports)culture needs to change to make it okay for a player to sit out an additional game or two without the risk of losing a starting spot or even a spot on the team. The NFL culture needs to stop forcing these players to be super human, because they are not. They are just as human as the rest of us, body and soul.
1 comment:
I am an avid Football fan and I am always shocked at number of NFL player who try to extend their careers long past their prime. As a Minnesotan, I'm sure you remember Robert Smith who could still be playing, but retired after the end of his first contract with the Vikes. His reason was simple. He said that he had made enough money to retire in his 20's and considered himself extremely lucky that he had no serious injuries during his short career, but pointed out that anytime he stepped on the field he risked a life altering injury. Good for Him!
Alex
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