[SBXVII]

Originally Posted by SolidSnake84

He would have for sure played in the NFL the experts say. He had spinal stenosis, it was a genetic condition that he inherited, and Peyton and Eli were both tested for the same condition. Eli was negative, they could not say 100% for sure that Peyton's neck complications were not part of something that he inherited genetic.

Smoot Smack is right on.

The condition presents itself as a progressive narrowing of the spinal column, it puts pressure on the spinal cord and leads to numbness and stabbing pains through the extremeties. Surgery is performed to releive the pressure, that is career ending often times, as another hit or injury could lead to paralysis or death.

Our very own Chris Samuels retired from it I do believe....

I'm confused? His doctor has said he's healthy enough to be able to work out more.
Peyton Manning's doctor says fusion has healed firmly - ESPN

Also I'm confused with the whole "it's career ending" idea.....
Indianapolis Colts' Peyton Manning has more surgery on neck - ESPN

"This procedure is performed regularly throughout the country on persons from all walks of life, including professional football players. Two former Colts players had this same procedure last winter and have fully resumed their careers," the team said in the statement.

Also from the report...

Dr. Andrew Hecht, co-director of spinal surgery at Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York, doesn't believe the injury will prematurely end Manning's career.
Hecht, who works with the New York Jets and New York Islanders, said the biggest risk is healing. He said it typically takes three months for the fusion to occur, though some people heal faster.
"The odds are that he'll end his career when he wants to end his career," Hecht said.