[TheMalcolmConnection]

Originally Posted by mooby

I can't fault Cravens for thinking of his personal well-being. Football isn't worth your life. But his timing is real shitty. If you're contemplating, do it during the offseason so we can add it to the list of needs. The week before the season starts is probably the worst time to do it. I forget who said it (my apologies), but I agree with the statement. If he comes back, it's just temporary. You can't rely on a guy who's not committed. Maybe he comes back, rides out the season. But it will end in 3 ways. 1. (highest odds) he gets cut or traded. 2. (50/50) he retires. 3 (lowest odds) he fully commits to playing football and has a long and fulfilling career with us.

If he does retire, so be it. I see this as the start of something commonplace. Now that players know the risks, more and more will be willing to walk away from the game to preserve the rest of their life. Meeting players at the HOF made something very obvious to me. The mashed fingers, the joint pain, some of them can barely walk, or lift their arms, not to mention the threat of CTE. Players might make a lot of money, but they sacrifice their bodies for the rest of their lives, some more than others. For some the money won't be worth it. I can't fault them for that.

Totally agree that this is something we're going to see a lot more. I wonder if eventually you'll see players sign, then retire after a season because they got a decent little payday.