{"id":833,"date":"2007-01-29T02:30:00","date_gmt":"2007-01-29T07:30:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.jetnation.com\/?p=833"},"modified":"2007-01-29T02:30:00","modified_gmt":"2007-01-29T07:30:00","slug":"not-so-super-bowl","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/miletestsite.com\/jets\/2007\/01\/29\/not-so-super-bowl\/","title":{"rendered":"Not So Super Bowl"},"content":{"rendered":"

By Tyson Rauch
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\nNow that the championship games are finished the football world embraces itself for the marquee event of the sporting year.\u00c2\u00a0 The Super Bowl is upon us with all of its glitz, glamour and hype.\u00c2\u00a0 We are in the middle of two weeks of celebrations, awards ceremonies, V.I.P. parties and banquets as well as a media bonanza.\u00c2\u00a0 Analysts will diagnose every aspect of the game from travel arrangements to team meals to the size of the player\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s cleats.\u00c2\u00a0 Fans all across the country will set up their office pools, betting sheets and house parties.\u00c2\u00a0 Restaurants and taverns will set up their establishments for a festival like atmosphere that even the least of football fans will enjoy.\u00c2\u00a0 It seems like everyone involved in the NFL whether it is a player, fan or reporter benefits from this yearly event. The NFL in particular between the television rights, marketing rights as well as event proceeds tends to make out the best.\u00c2\u00a0 <\/font>
\nIt is well documented that the National Football League is a billion dollar industry.\u00c2\u00a0 But here is a question, what does the NFL give back to its players?\u00c2\u00a0 Sure the players are well compensated for the time they actually play (no guaranteed contracts) but what happens once they leave the game? What about the players that give their heart and soul to the NFL to only find themselves unable to walk, experience head trauma or spinal problems?\u00c2\u00a0 What does the NFL do for them?\u00c2\u00a0 Also what about the legends of the game that did not receive the financial rewards like today\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s players? Does the National Football League help them to ensure they have not fallen on hard times due to medical issues?\u00c2\u00a0 What about a player like Al Toon who had to leave the game due to the severity of concussions he incurred?\u00c2\u00a0 Or what about some of these old time running backs like Christian Okoye that took complete beatings week in or week out.\u00c2\u00a0 Or better yet what about a lineman like Mark Schlereth that had over 10 surgeries on his knees and shoulders over the years?
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\nThere have been reports about problems with the pension programs how come it does not get more attention? Does the NFL not allow the media to talk about it?\u00c2\u00a0 These men gave up their bodies to make the National Football League the sport it is today, a billion dollar industry isn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t the league obligated to give back to the ones in need? Or is the price the players must play to have the privilege to play professional football?\u00c2\u00a0
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\nOver the past year I have been in contact with some former players, not the marquee ones that are celebrated in the media, and their stories are somewhat sad.\u00c2\u00a0 Some cannot play with their children due to back problems.\u00c2\u00a0 Some write down their address in their pocket as they tend to forget it and others have problems leaving the house on bright sunny days.\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0 Definitely not stories I have read about often in the media that is for sure.\u00c2\u00a0 It also made me wonder how many players playing this Sunday could fall into the same category? How many special teamers will be running all out and get themselves knocked out, not just for the game, but for their career?\u00c2\u00a0 Just something to think about while watching the hoopla around this year\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s Super Bowl.
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\nParting Shots:
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