I agree. I want players to play long enough until they shoot themselves in the chest like Seau. Or have issues remembering basic things like Jamal Lewis. I'm sure the Seau family would repeat it all over again cause their dad/husband was a NFL legend.
Go out like real men. Not these pansy men worried about their health, short and long term. It's all about the legacy, not about having quality time with your family post football. Who cares if your knees, back or brain is fubar.
Damn players wanting to get paid in a sport that has revenues in the billions, and getting out before they are crippled in some way. Makes me sick. God forbid they get a cut of all those billions the NFL makes, and can retire early for being the best of the best of their profession.
I can't believe the NFL couldn't keep the concussion risks a secret. Damn shame.
The NFL will continue to give out big contracts to certain positions due to the short term value those players bring.
If they can get 2-3 years good out of a 5 year contract they'll consider it a win. No team will ever consider letting a star player walk for the small percentage they may retire early.
Most of the names on that list retired due to injuries. Calvin Johnson had multiple ankle injuries the years before he retired. Not to mention knee and finger surgeries. I mean, are you suggesting they play no matter what till 35 years old? Go after stats, even when your life is full of surgeries, rehab, and pain?
I think only Borland retired before the injuries piled up, but he suffered multiple concussions over his football life. He retired before getting a fat second contract.