Huge Conrad Dobler feature at espn.com

[abomb]

http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/eticket/story?page=conraddobler

 

[ARZCardinals]

link no worky

 

[Shane]

link no worky

Works for me.

 

[Ryanwb]

Conrad is the same age age as my father but Conrad looks 20 years older

 

[slanidrac16]

Bottom line is the NFL needs to step up and take care of these players. These guys laid it on the line for their teammates and fans for a very small amount of compensation compared to todays standards.

 

[BigRedArk]

Yeah the NFLPA does need to take care of these players from the past. What the union can't afford it? I wish the Bidwill's could quietly slip him some money. Dobler always had good things to say about the old man. One of the few. I guess if it got out that he helped Dobler all of his ex-players still living would come running with their hands out too. I admire Phil Mickelson for helping him out.

 

[Redsz]

Man, I would love to have Dobler come in and talk to our linemen about the 'tricks' of the trade.

 

[Buckybird]

Dobler hates Bill Bidwill!!! I seen him interviewed on several shows stating it point blank.

 

[JeffGollin]

The post-football-career injury issue has been a hot topic all off-season; SIRIUS has been all over it day after day.

I liked what Ditka (whom I often disagree with) had to say before Congress - namely that, regardless of who's considered to be at fault (i.e. cheap or heartless teams, the players unions or players who didn't sock away any money for "life after football") the facts are that (a) the league and its active players are rolling in dough, (b) there are former players out there who are hurting and (c) things should be done so that players in need shouldn't have to jump through hoops to get whatever help they need.

On a related topic - the issue of concussions looms bigger and bigger on the ol' radar screen. A bunch of things leap out: (1) the prevalance of "dings" (i.e. most likely "small concussions") each player experiences during his career, (2) the impact of these concussions years later, (3) the whole issue of "Can you go?" "Yeah, Coach" and the pressure some teams are said to place on their medics to clear players and (4) the number of players who don't wear their mouthpieces all the time (because they can't call out signals or adjustments "on the fly").

The question that nags at me is: What's the difference between teams and fans accepting that dings are "just a normal part of doing business" and people who condone "pitbull fights to the death?" I don't have a pat answer other than to say that it makes me very uncomfortable and that we ought to think about this a lot more.

 

[Chainthroer]

Having lived in Wyoming, I've been a Conrad Dobler fan since he was at the University of Wyoming. I wish the best for him. He represents the word "determination" in a big way. [Noteobler's last year at Wyoming (1971) was Fritz Schurmer's first year as the Head Coach there!]

 

[Ryanwb]

Just playing devils advocate here....

If you worked at a company for many years and put much blood sweat and tears into it and it became much more successful after you left, should you be entitled to more back paid compensation? This is really what is boils down to. I understand that many have become unable to live a normal life, but nobody held a gun to their head to play football.

That said, I agree that they need back pay but I don't see it happening if this would go to court or anything like that. It's going to have to be the NFL's choice and no one elses

 

[JeffGollin]

Just playing devils advocate here....

If you worked at a company for many years and put much blood sweat and tears into it and it became much more successful after you left, should you be entitled to more back paid compensation? This is really what is boils down to. I understand that many have become unable to live a normal life, but nobody held a gun to their head to play football.

That said, I agree that they need back pay but I don't see it happening if this would go to court or anything like that. It's going to have to be the NFL's choice and no one elses

No, the former NFL players aren't "entitled" to anything more.

Yes, helping them out would be the right thing to do.

 

[Skkorpion]

A number of recent studies done in Europe on former soccer players have shown long term brain damage from repeated use of the head to stop the ball.

Rugby players, skiers, and other sports participants often have long-lasting debilitating injuries. That's life. What are we supposed to do? Stop having fun at competing physically?

What about boxers? Golfers get back injuries a lot. Hoops players destroy knees.

Nobody owes anybody anything for willingly competing in sports. At least, that's the way I feel.

Americans are very generous and help lots of people for various reasons. I agree, the NFL owners and union should help the former players who played before medicine knew much about the physical toll their bodies were taking.

Players, owners, coaches and trainors today know far more and can make better decisions. It's on them now to work out an equitable risk/reward package.

Me? Bring on the football! i'm ready.

 

[Chainthroer]

Yea, I'm ready for football too! Hot temperatures make it a little boring, until training camp starts up.

 

[BigRedArk]

Dobler hates Bill Bidwill!!! I seen him interviewed on several shows stating it point blank.

Well it didn't seem that way to me when I read his book, unless my memory fails me.