I don't know what else to say, other than Dan Bickley of the Arizona Republic has just uncorked what is probably the best article I've come across in a while about the real costs of fame and stardom in the NFL:
Then there's the terrible story of Virgil Livers, who once played for the Bears.Before Livers could catch a punt, a defender speared him in the groin area. One of his testicles swelled so badly that it had to be drained with a needle at halftime. Believe it or not, Livers returned to the field for the third quarter.
It was not a smart decision. Livers was rushed to the hospital later that night, and the affected area had to be surgically removed.
There's more here than just horror. Do yourself a favor and read it now.
UPDATE: Bottom line, players sacrifice more than many of us suspect. But in light of Bickley's piece, news that ex-Browns running back Errict Rhett is suing his former team for simply casting him aside seems insignificant.
