Nice article about Clinton Portis

I wonder if the NFL will eventually limit the number of years a player can play to help combat injuries and lawsuits.


A happy NFL retirement story

"The truth is I had a lot of concussions," he said. "It was just the way things were at the time. I'd get hit hard and be woozy. I'd be dizzy. I'd take a play off and then go back in. Sometimes when I went back into the game, I still couldn't see straight. This happened all the time. Sometimes once or twice a game."
Despite that punishment. Portis was able to walk away from the game with limb and mind intact, which despite being one of the toughest people to ever play the game, is a minor miracle. Now, after those violent times on a football field, he spends his days with his kids or walking on a beach or just doing ... nothing. In all, he lives a normal life, with his health intact.

Portis' story is important for one major reason. It's well documented that numerous NFL players have had difficult transitions from their playing days into retirement. Both the NFL and union dedicate massive resources to struggling post-retirement players.

Portis is not fighting demons. The only fighting he's doing is against the traffic headed to the beach in the Miami area. Despite taking physical abuse -- in addition to being one of the most prolific runners in league history, he was also one of the top-three best blocking backs the sport has ever seen -- Portis says he's healthy. No known effects from the concussions thus far. No crutches. No emotional struggles. Just a relaxed life.

"I have a few aches and pains," he said, "nothing major. None of the, 'I can't stand up or walk' stuff. I got away from the game at the perfect time. To be 31 and retired and spending time with my kids, I love it."