We need to be careful using words like "amazing" and "committed" when athletes make these types of decisions. They're dangerous and shouldn't be celebrated. You don't see it while you're playing, but once you retire, you realize how hypnotized you were.
Herniated disc against Steelers. Had surgery. Could’ve came from surgery or from flying a week after surgery.
Unfortunately, psychological safety starts at the top. Coaches under pressure to win pressure doctors and trainers to clear star players. Players feel it from ownership, coaches, staff, and fans. Most won't speak up. It's job security, acceptance, and not wanting to look soft.
Blood clots aren't something you play through or fake. They can kill you. I'm grateful my family pushed me to get help, and I'm praying for Jalen's full recovery.
Because I was still playing, I had the insurance to help pay for her treatment. If my career had ended that January, our story looks very different.
Three or four months later, the clots were gone and I was cleared to play. A few months after that, my daughter Leah was diagnosed with cancer.
Then they told me I might never play football again. The treatment is blood thinners, and you can't play on them. One big hit can cause internal bleeding you can't stop.
Doctors found multiple blood clots in my lungs that started in my calves. They told me if I hadn't come in when I did, I would have died.
Football trains you to fight through pain. That's what I was doing. My wife and my dad saw how much pain I was in and forced me to go to the hospital. I went reluctantly.
In January 2014, after my second NFL season, I had back surgery. A week later, after a flight, I felt pain in my rib cage. I thought it was just part of recovering from surgery, so I tried to sleep it off.
With the news about Jalen Hurts' blood clots and the frustration fans have with Michael Robinson for saying he was faking his initial injury, I want to share my story. Blood clots almost ended my career and life, and people need to understand how serious they are.
If I was a high school recruit, I'd still want to go to Penn State despite this year's record. Almost none of the positions look solidified. They're up for grabs, and you have a chance to make an immediate impact and turn things around.
Introspective answers in postgame interviews only work if you show visible progress week to week.
Turnovers hurt us big time in this game.
The opposing team starts the game intimidated by the environment, but they start to realize they can still perform regardless of how hostile it is. Their confidence grows while Penn State's drops.
And here's what can happen with the White Out. It gives Penn State the edge early. But as time goes on, if the other team is still in it or ahead, that advantage can flip…
