A Darker Side of the NFL...

grote15

Johnson was a great player for the Pats and it's sad to hear about his struggles now. As the game continues to get faster and more violent and the players get bigger and more juiced up, stories like this one are bound to mushroom.

Ted Johnson

perkdog

I heard Ted Johnson was having troubles but I didnt realize that much, tuff to realize what these guys bodies go through. My buddy is good friends with former Jets WR Wayne Chrebet and tells me he has a lot of problems mentally and physically from the game. Kind of makes you realize guys like Tiki Barber, Robert Smith, Barry Sanders and others that walked away from the game with a lot left in the tank are prolly making smart decisions.

BobaFett72

they did a report last night on New England Cable News as well as the local Boston station, interviewed some ex pats, players.

I hope this doesnt surprise anyone. I'm sure some of these guys, especially starting QB's are just a few hits a way from permanent brain damage.

stevek

Baseball players, basketball players, and some other professional sports players overpaid? In my view they are. But you'll never hear me say that about any NFL player except perhaps an enigma such as TO. It's a brutal game, and these NFL players deserve every penny they get. Hopefully things can turn out as well as possible for Johnson.

perkdog

Good point Steve, not to mention NFL players contracts are not gauranteed I believe. Of all the sports Baseball players contracts make me not want to go to a game.

RipublicaninMass

Johnson is blaming Belichick

Petescorner

Did anyone else find it weird that the article constantly referred to him as "Mr. Johnson" instead of just "Johnson" as you would normally see? Just seemed like kind of a weird writing style. I dunno.

yawie99

<< <i>Did anyone else find it weird that the article constantly referred to him as "Mr. Johnson" instead of just "Johnson" as you would normally see? Just seemed like kind of a weird writing style. I dunno. >>



That's standard for the NYT.

Shortly after Reggie White's death, I remember seeing something on ESPN about the risks associated with being an NFL player. It was more from the perspective of the health risks (e.g. sleep disorders) associated with the insane playing weight of most players than from actual on-field injuries, but I think the show mentioned a survey of players that indicated most would gladly trade years off their lives for longer careers. It's unfortunate that some have a greatly diminished quality of post-career life, but these guys know the dangers of the game and are handsomely compensated for playing it.

stevek

<< <i>Johnson is blaming Belichick >>




But if I'm on a jury, Belichick is innocent. Virtually every football coach does what Belichick did here - push his players to the max...it is up to the player to do it or not do it. I played football from 7th grade thru 12th grade on my school's football team - wasn't very good at it, but even at that age it was understood what football is all about and the ramifications involved with injury, possibly a lifelong injury. Yes, this concussion type situation is a bit different, but Johnson had the choice not to participate in that practice he refers to. Would he have gotten cut? Maybe...but again it was his choice to take the chance of the injury or possibly losing the paycheck.

It could be said that a number of professions are this way with risk of injury, for example an easy illustration is construction work on a high rise building whereby a fall would be fatal. I feel bad for Johnson as nobody deserves this, but frankly, in my view no one is really to blame.


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Petescorner

I would say it's the doctor's fault. Either he's able to play and be hit, or he's not. That's why doctors get paid big $ for their opinions. Don't leave it up to the coach to make that call.