Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
The combination of concussions, lawsuits and former NFL greats saying they would never allow their sons to play football has cast a dark light on the most popular sport in the United States. Numerous players have retired prematurely due to the scare of long-term symptoms stemming from head trauma, with San Francisco 49ers offensive tackle Anthony Davis being the latest. The difference with the 25-year-old Davis is he actually could be a potential trailblazer for future NFL players.
“After a few years of thought, I’ve decided it will be best for me to take a year or so away from the NFL,” Davis said in a statement, according to CBS Sports. “This will be a time for me to allow my brain and body a chance to heal. I know many won’t understand my decision, that’s OK.
“I hope you too have the courage to live your life how you planned it when day dreaming to yourself growing up. Your life is your dream and you have the power to control that dream. I’m simply doing what’s best for my body as well as my mental health at this time in my life.”
During Davis’ retirement speech, he made it clear that his life, body, and mind are what are most important to him. Football is a sport he loves to play, but living a fruitful life trumps the game. Even though he announced his retirement on Friday, he does not plan to rid himself of the NFL forever. In fact, he could make a comeback sooner than people think.
I’ll be back in a year or so.. I’ll be 26 or 27 years old. Im taking this time to allow my Brain and Body time to heal and recoup.
— Anthony Davis (@BamDavis_) June 5, 2015
With many young players concerned with the repercussions of playing an intense, physical sport, following in the footsteps of Davis could become a common theme. Establishing themselves with a team, taking a year off to recuperate, and then emerging to continue their career seems unorthodox, but it could actually become the norm if mental illness is directly linked to the head trauma players are suffering from concussions.
It is unknown if the 49ers will have a roster spot for Davis once he is ready to return to football, which could be the single downfall for why players would stay away from taking a year off. With that said it certainly takes courage for Davis to understand the situation and publicly declare his reasoning for leaving the game.
A majority of players would prefer to avoid squandering the opportunity of playing in the NFL, rightfully so. However, if the league adapts and inputs a provision that allows players to temporarily retire with the possibility of getting their roster spot back, the crisis surrounding concussions might just take a giant leap in the right direction. I understand it sounds ridiculous to have guarantees regarding roster spots in a sport in which there are no guarantees for anything, but it might just be what is necessary to prevent long-term injuries.
Michael Terrill is a Senior Writer for Rant Sports. Follow him on Twitter @MichaelTerrill, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.
