When a player chooses to risk his long-term health by playing after severe injuries does that mean he’s addicted to the game?
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Recently a wide receiver by the name of Wes Welker was signed to play with the St. Louis Rams. I was horrified by the signing and reminded that there are some owners who’ll let wins trump the long term health of a player.
If you don’t know, Welker is a player who has received multiple concussions in the span of nine months. It’s unknown how many concussions he has amassed during his career, but it’s certain it’s more than three.
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It’s no longer a means to making ends meat but an obsessions that can’t be satisfied in any other area of his life.
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His signing has obviously stirred up controversy as talking heads debate his return. Many are concerned, but they also bring up the point that he is an adult with the God-given right to play. When I hear this logic I can’t help but feel uneasy.
I would have understood if Welker needed the money, but it was reported by Mike Freeman that his finances are in working order. Therefore, it can be assumed that he is playing because he can’t get enough of playing football. It’s no longer a means to making ends meat but an obsession that can’t be satisfied in any other area of his life.
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I believe we all have the freedom to do anything we want as long as we don’t seek to cause unlawful harm toward another. I also think that if we are of sound mind we have the right to do things to our body that may cause it long term damage. For instance smoking cigarettes, drinking alcohol, and even eating fatty foods. We are free to make any of those choices, however, there are times when these choices are no longer choices. When they become habits that start taking over our decision making it becomes an addiction.
How do you define addiction?
Based on information from the Psychology Today an addiction is a, “… condition that results when a person … engages in an activity (e.g., gambling, sex, shopping) that can be pleasurable but the continued use/act of which becomes compulsive and interferes with ordinary life responsibilities, such as work, relationships, or health.”
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Maybe some players are just addicts that need to get that fix while hoping the high of an NFL life doesn’t end so quickly.
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Based on this definition Wes Welker may be addicted to football. He is so obsessed with playing the game of football that he is willing to put his health on the line with every hit he takes. Heck we see this on the field every Sunday and we celebrate it. We honor these players as being tough and courageous but what if it’s neither? Maybe some players are just addicts that need to get that fix while hoping the high of an NFL life doesn’t end so quickly.
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Playing football most of my childhood up until the end of my high school career I can testify there is a feeling of exhilaration that is hard to duplicate. Even at the high school level there is nothing like running onto a field and hearing the crowds screaming in excitement. I dare anyone to try it and not feel your adrenaline kick into high gear.
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I didn’t even care about my knee. I would have played until it came off …
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I can still remember hearing the crowd’s blood thirsty roar as I sent a defensive lineman flying out of bounds. My body was tingling with excitement as my nervous system seemed to go numb from the adrenaline dump. That moment was captured forever in my mind and is now used whenever I’m feel bored with life I can recall that memory to bring back that spark of excitement I had on that day.
In that same season I found myself injuring my knee during a game. Not unlike many players addicted to football I refused to take myself out of the game even though I heard my knee pop and I could barely put any weight on it without it buckling. It took a few plays for the coaches to notice but once they did I was yanked out. After the trainers looked at it they told me I was out of the game. I was pissed and preceded to beg the trainer to let me play. He said that if I could run on it with out limping I could go back in. Of course I ran up and down the side of the field trying not to limp without any success so I finally gave in but I was annoyed. I didn’t even care about my knee. I would have played until it came off but luckily my trainer took the decision out of my hands because I wasn’t in my right mind.
I was addicted to football.
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When and if football becomes an addiction what should be done?
Whether you are a parent or a coach it’s important to remember that our children or players aren’t in the right state of mind when it comes to playing sports. They love the game and most likely would do whatever they can to play on the field. That’s a great trait to have and most of us would praise a child with drive and determination. However, we need to remember that same drive can lead to irresponsible decisions. In the moment they’ll hate you but in the long run they’ll thank you for taking the decision out of their hands.
In the end there is no law forbidding Wes Welker or any player from playing, but I don’t think I’ll be able to watch him play. As a big fan I hope he keeps himself safe over the middle. Don’t take any needless hits and go down fast. If he gets another concussion I hope someone will take the decision out of his hands.
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Photo: Flickr/Ariel Hayat
The post Football Is More Than A Game, It’s An Addiction appeared first on The Good Men Project.