Minnesota Vikings and NFL players make ‘career decisions’
By Adam Carlson
With how violent the NFL can be, members of the Minnesota Vikings as well as other teams are forced to make ‘career decisions’ to ensure their health.
The NFL can be a tough place to have a long career. With the staggering number of injuries, including concussions, that players suffer, staying in the league for ten or more years has become more and more difficult.
Because of that, players are being more careful when it comes to their health and ensuring that they can continue to provide for their family. In fact, this level of carefulness can lead to players making decisions on the field that directly impact the outcome of the game.
In a recent article on the USA Today website, the results of an AP survey were given that showed that more and more professional athletes were avoiding some contact instead of putting themselves at risk of injury.
"“A lot of people make ‘career decisions’ all the time,” Miami Dolphins defensive back Michael Thomas said with a laugh. “It’s a joke, but we call those ‘career decisions’ when people do those.”"
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One of the players responding to the AP survey was Minnesota Vikings offensive lineman Jeremiah Sirles, who says that making decisions to prolong your career is “just smart football.”
"“If you’re in Year 8 or 9, and you’re running down the sideline, and (Seattle Seahawks safety) Kam Chancellor’s running at you, what’s those extra 2 yards compared to just stepping out of bounds and avoiding a huge collision?” Sirles said. “I think that there’s a difference between being tough and playing smart.”"
The Minnesota Vikings ended their 2015 season with 9 players on injured reserve and the NFL’s number of diagnosed concussions increasing by nearly 32% this year, there are obvious reasons for players to be more careful with their bodies, as they can’t have a professional football career without being in top physical condition.
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Of course, there are occasions where absorbing a powerful hit will be worth it to many players. On situations where a first down is just a matter of a yard or so away, you could see players taking the physical risk to pick it up. However, in many situations, it might be best for the team, the player and the league in general to play it safe on the football field.