Jerome Harrison Would be Dead Without the NFL

October 26, 2011 at 3:10 pm

In NFL news this week, a trade between the Eagles and Lions was voided when doctor’s discovered a tumor in Jerome Harrison’s brain.

The NFL requires that all players involved in a trade undergo a physical, and it appears this policy saved the veteran running back’s life. Doctors say his chances are very good, but they were lucky to catch it as early as they did.

If they hadn’t, he would probably be dead right now. And they say playing football is bad for you!

This story warms my heart after hearing all this clambering about how playing in the NFL is unhealthy for the athletes. Sure, concussions are part of the game. But when it comes down to it, these guys are taken care of by the best doctors and trainers in the world.

Rey Maualuga went down with a grade three ankle sprain before the Colts game and he’s expected back for the Titans game. That’s three weeks recovery for an injury that usually takes 6-12 weeks!! And you’re going to tell me that he’s not taken care of??

Baloney!

Why should we be so worried about these guys? Sure, there’s a lot of physicality, it’s what makes the game beautiful, but these are big men we’re talking about!

Sure, I couldn’t walk on to the Bengals practice (I wish!) and walk off healthy, but these guys are huge! Anthony Collins is the Bengals smallest offensive lineman, and he is 315 pounds! Seriously, what’s the worst that could happen to a guy like him?

One time when I was at the racetrack with my Dad I told him I felt bad for the horses. He said, “Bulls***, boy, they eat better than you do.” I didn’t understand it at the time, but what he was saying made a lot of sense.

You can’t let the commonness of injuries in the NFL make you forget that these guys get the best care possible.

They live a lifestyle we dream for.