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Originally Posted by oldandslow
A sad story, if you're in the mood:
http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/playof...ory?id=6091766
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AIKEN, S.C. -- Every day begins with William Perry needing help out of bed. Usually, it's 10 a.m. before he even gives it a try, and to support his 400 pounds, he shuffles to the living room on two legs that barely work and his sturdy black cane.
Once he sits down, he and his chair are in a long-term relationship. He doesn't move, except to go to the bathroom, and the concerning part is that he has no desire to move. A home gym is just 20 feet away from him, but he mostly scowls at it from a safe distance. A walking path is only 40 feet away, but he mostly hisses at it from the comfort of his seat.
His day consists of watching television and eating three or four meals prepared by his heart-broken wife, Valerie. She nags him to exercise, but says she gets "cussed out'' for it. She bugs him to take his medication but says she gets ignored over it. Her new trick, just to get him on his feet, is to tell him he has to come to the kitchen to eat his lunch. That's her best way to get "The Refrigerator'' to walk near the refrigerator.
Of course, then when she least expects it, her husband will hobble out the door and into his car. She knows exactly where he's headed: to the liquor store.
Because every day ends with William Perry needing a drink. |
Unfortunately there are many stories similar to those that played in the NFL. Especially the linemen.
A few years ago I was outside the Red Coaters tent at Arrowhead. There were quite a few former Chiefs there posing for pictures. To the side of the tent is a mound specifically setup for photo ops. There were about 16 players posing for the pictures, after they were done over half of the guys had to have help getting down the little hill. I can't imagine the pain these guys go through just to be able to get through the day.
Art Still told me he had to workout for an hour to loosen up his shoulder so he could function.
I would bet that virtually every player with any kind of significant injury through their career is still paying the price for playing.