A Legacy Part 2

Another physical health issue for the players has been the accumulation of injuries along with multiple surgeries and pain medications. For example, Hall of Fame Dan Dierdorf is a prime example as he has difficulty walking unassisted, since his most recent back surgery. Ed Budde is able to walk unassisted but very slowly. Conrad Dobler’s surgical calf interferes with his gait. Connie pulled up his pant leg and showed me that deformity. Both Dan and Connie were teammates with the Cardinals. They were lineman. That group holds the NFL record for allowing the fewest quarterback sacks during the season. Jim Brandstatter has put on a tremendous amount of weight since his playing days. Mike Keller, although able to play golf, has put on a lot of weight and has limited aerobic ability. His limited aerobic ability was evident when Linda and I took him to the Robinson Flat vet check, a few years ago, during one Tevis Cup endurance ride.  Even though Hall of Fame Reggie McKenzie plays golf, he also has limited aerobic ability. Reggie created the Electric Company with the Bills. The Electric Company was coined for OJ when set the NFL rushing record. Jim Betts and has had back and sciatica issues. Although when visiting him last November, he showed remarkable improvement.  Hall of Fame Thom Darden does better when he exercises regularly in the pool. He has been very helpful in providing Linda with information pertaining to surgeries and rehab. She thanked him over and over. Fritz Seyferth has maintained his weight and pushes himself to remain as fit as he can In spite of his back issues.

Player injuries start in college, get exacerbated and become more serious during their professional career. Talk to any of the players and they can tell you in detail about their injuries sustained on the playing field.  Players know about surgery and rehabilitation. They leave the game because of injuries sustained and the aging process. My physician brother told me that I was fortunate not to have sustained any significant football injuries since my health allowed me numerous options regarding sports and competition with my physical activities.

PS

There was not one player, despite injuries, that would have given up on playing this game. They love the game, they love the camaraderie as football has played a significant and dominant part in their identity.