Early Retirements in the NFL, Should we be Worried?

The news this week that Calvin 'Megatron' Johnson was considering retirement sent shock waves around the NFL. But should we be so shocked? Early retirements have become more commonplace in the NFL as players are becoming more aware about the medical dangers involved with playing the game. Many fans will question the players 'love of the game' or the loss of potential earnings involved with such a lucrative sport. But the dangers of playing professional football are now become well understood. The release of recent blockbuster movie 'Concussion' will only make the general public and NFL players more cognizant of the potential impact that a life playing football can have on the body.The lucrative nature of the sport may also lead some players to early retirement, as well as the toxic effects of the media spotlight on individuals and families.

Players first started becoming truly aware of the extent to which football, and playing contact sports in general ,affects the human brain in 2002. The discovery of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) by Dr. Bennet Omalu finally gave a name to the disease that had affected so many professional athletes. The disease is defined as a "progressive degenerative disease found in people with a history of repetitive brain trauma". From the definition itself, it's clear to see how this disease is inextricably linked to the sport of American football. The NFL in particular is defined by it's big hits, high speed collisions and short bursts of extreme contact. While I can't be sure that this element is involved in Megatron's exit motivations, it has led to prominent retirements from the NFL.

Chris Borland, formerly of the San Francisco 49ers, was a recent player to retire whom cited medical concerns as the primary reason for his decision. In an interview with ESPN.com Borland stated "I just honestly want to do what's best for my health... From what I've researched and what I've experienced, I don't think it's worth the risk". There is no doubt that other players will come to the same conclusion as Borland over the coming years if the status quo prevails in safety procedures and a lack of a cure for CTE remains. While the NFL should be concerned by this, they can't change the potential outcomes without making tough decisions about the way the sport is played and that may be why they are so reluctant to move away from the status quo.

Not so happy anymore? Megatron is considering early retirement.

However, it's not just medical concerns that are motivating early retirements. The lucrative nature of the business and the focused spotlight on the individual are also motivations for retirement. This element might have more to do with Megatron's recent thoughts about his future. Over his career Megatron has signed contracts worth over $100 million in guaranteed money. There is literally no financial incentive for him to consider playing beyond greed or the hunger for an even more lavish lifestyle. The sum of money he has earned would make him financially secure for several lifetimes at the very least. Playing football in Detroit, with limited to no success, would not be particularly enticing to many with that much money in the bank. It's possible that the daily rigors of NFL life and the stress on Megatron's body has led him to think that it's just not worth it any more. It's hard to argue the opposite. The lucrative nature of the NFL is maybe it's own enemy in this regard. Once a player makes a certain amount of money there is literally no reason to play beyond cementing a legacy, winning a championship or for the love of the game. It's just a fact that not every professional player will have those motivations.

Moreover, the retirement of Jake Locker - once a member of my beloved Titans - may be linked to the financial factor coupled with the desire for a 'normal' family life. The spotlight on NFL players can certainly be unbearable for particular individuals, especially quarterbacks, where the focus is even more concentrated. Locker talked about not having "the burning desire necessary to play the game for a living" as well as his hopes to spend more time with his family. You can not besmirch the man for his decision. Many of us would've made the same choice; a couple of million in the bank and just sit back and have fun with your family for the rest of your life. Maybe this area of early retirements will lead NFL scouting departments to place more value on a prospect's "love for the game" so that they're not investing in a person that will bolt after one contract.

Bringing this information together it's easy to be concerned about early retirements becoming more commonplace in the NFL. Whether it be for medical, financial or person reasons, we can not blame this phenomenon on the players. The NFL's lack of a substantial plan to combat CTE is clearly something that can be changed if a commissioner comes a long that is willing to make tough decisions to save the future of the sport - removing or significantly altering helmets seems to be an option coming to the fore recently. If the NFL opts to not make these hard choices then the future of the sport could be affected, with less parents willing to let their children play American Football, instead opting for 'softer' sports like basketball, baseball or soccer. In terms of financial and personal factors, the NFL is merely an victim of its own success here and there is little they could do to combat these retirements. But, in the end, as fans we should not be worried because there will always be individuals willing to step up and perform, who love the sport and are willing to put their bodies on the line for their team, their fans and their legacy.