"Today, the average career is about 3.5 years. So if you make it, and you play, let’s say four years, when you’re out, what are you going to do with the rest of your life? So, for me, it’s so important that you prepare for life after the game, and not just focus on being a football player. Because I’ve seen so many guys, who that was their total focus, and then when it was over they panicked. They didn’t have anywhere to turn. They didn’t have their degree. And they didn’t know what they were going to do with the next phase of their life."
-- Harry Carson, NFL Hall of Fame linebacker and author of "Captain for Life: My Story as a Hall of Fame Linebacker." Carson spoke at the Penn State Forum luncheon Sept. 23 about being "Captain for Life" and concussions and injuries associated with playing football.
"I feel conflicted at times, because I love football. I love having played the game. I love the guys who I played with. But, on the other hand, I understand that there are some serious issues that can come out of playing the game of football. And it’s important that parents have the information to decide whether they want their kids to play or not. I’m not saying, ‘Don’t let your kid play.’ But I want parents to have that information so they can make an informed decision."
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