Why are so many players retiring young now?

[Duffman]

I’m not gonna get into people like Calvin Johnson who were a few years ago but if you look at this past year you have Andrew Luck, Doug Baldwin, Rob Gronkowski, and now Luke Kuechly.

Are people really that more injury prone now or are people just smarter about the future?

 

[Tai Chi≈Surfing]

Are people really that more injury prone now or are people just smarter about the future?

Probably some of A...but mostly B, would be my guess.

 

[NinerSickness]

I’m not gonna get into people like Calvin Johnson who were a few years ago but if you look at this past year you have Andrew Luck, Doug Baldwin, Rob Gronkowski, and now Luke Kuechly.

Are people really that more injury prone now or are people just smarter about the future?

They make exponentially more money nowadays, so they can afford to make that decision a lot easier.

If I could play in the NFL, I'd do exactly what Chris Borland did. Take one year's pay & GTFO.

 

[kburjr]

They make exponentially more money nowadays, so they can afford to make that decision a lot easier.

If I could play in the NFL, I'd do exactly what Chris Borland did. Take one year's pay & GTFO.

Plus the fact that most of these players have been playing 15-20 years already including youth football and such. Just wore out and down.

 

[boogiewithstu2007]

Getting what they can and getting out, don't want to risk brain damage, would be my guess... And like Kburjr said, they've already had years of head thrashing.... The game is WAY safer than it used to be, but you can't eliminate helmet to helmet hits totally, it's impossible...

 

[Mofo]

I’m not gonna get into people like Calvin Johnson who were a few years ago but if you look at this past year you have Andrew Luck, Doug Baldwin, Rob Gronkowski, and now Luke Kuechly.

Are people really that more injury prone now or are people just smarter about the future?

Contracts are insane now. If a player can get a contract past being a rookie, they can get $6-10M. If they invest well, they can be set for life and avoid a life of mush-head retirement, being poor.

 

[RobToxin]

I’m not gonna get into people like Calvin Johnson who were a few years ago but if you look at this past year you have Andrew Luck, Doug Baldwin, Rob Gronkowski, and now Luke Kuechly.

Are people really that more injury prone now or are people just smarter about the future?

Smarter not only about their future but armed with more knowledge about the long-term health risks of the game.

If I was a running back at the age of 28 and I can see the horrific health decline of Earl Campbell, I certainly don't want to be run into the ground like he was.

 

[Ricky Roma]

It's mostly money. Players today are more susceptible to injuries, and with the big money involved are more likely to miss games/get surgeries/etc. The rehab might just get tiring, so they opt out. These guys in general are financially set basically from jump, and I think they also care less about the 'winning at all costs' mentality, and more on their own wellbeing.

 

[eaglesnut]

The problem is they have families.

No sense in playing football when that's what you're giving up.

 

[redseat]

More money then in the past. More players have caught on to the fact that CTE is a serious problem and don't want to risk there lives if they have enough to live on and be able to live a "healthy" life with family.

 

[Airraidtech]

If I’m 30 and have 25 million. Yeah I’ll walk the fuck away too!
get a normal job doing something you like. Go into coaching, whatever.
don’t waste your money on 17 Mercedes for no fucking reason and let compound interest make your dick huge.

 

[mrschaney]

Brittle bitches lacking drive?

 

[JohnShadows]

You're made for life, and you want to continue playing LB, RB, or OT till you're 38? Just increasing the risk of long-term CTE? It makes more sense that they're retiring young.

 

[tnapucco]

Let's see....millions of dollars vs a lifetime of debilitating pain....hmmm.....


Man, that's a tough one! I guess it comes down to each individual and their definition of "quality of life"?

 

[JohnShadows]

BTW, if GB wins the SB, I predict AR-12 is next to retire

 

[packerzrule]

I’m not gonna get into people like Calvin Johnson who were a few years ago but if you look at this past year you have Andrew Luck, Doug Baldwin, Rob Gronkowski, and now Luke Kuechly.

Are people really that more injury prone now or are people just smarter about the future?

^^^^^
This

 

[Across The Field]

Back in the day, it was play football and then ride off into the sunset. Nowadays, with all of the opportunities in media or sports marketing that are available, why risk it when you can have an enjoyable life, financial stability, and your health, while still being very involved in the sports world? Seems like a no-brainer.

 

[JohnShadows]

Back in the day, it was play football and then ride off into the sunset. Nowadays, with all of the opportunities in media or sports marketing that are available, why risk it when you can have an enjoyable life, financial stability, and your health, while still being very involved in the sports world? Seems like a no-brainer.

Or coaching, which is where Luke might end up. Guy has high football IQ.

 

[Rock Strongo]

I’m not gonna get into people like Calvin Johnson who were a few years ago but if you look at this past year you have Andrew Luck, Doug Baldwin, Rob Gronkowski, and now Luke Kuechly.

Are people really that more injury prone now or are people just smarter about the future?

smarter, saving money.

i think guys see a small window and big potential dollars. no ones interested in being an aging earl campbell.

 

[ATL96Steeler]

I’m not gonna get into people like Calvin Johnson who were a few years ago but if you look at this past year you have Andrew Luck, Doug Baldwin, Rob Gronkowski, and now Luke Kuechly.

Are people really that more injury prone now or are people just smarter about the future?

I think each situation is probably a little different, but the common thread is injury and the desire to have some kind of quality of life post NFL.