Welker makes risky return to football
In recent years, football leagues everywhere have began to deal with the treatment of and prevention of concussions very carefully. For instance in the NCAA, if a players helmet comes off during a play, he has to sit out of the following play to be examined for a concussion. In the NFL, if a helmet comes off of a player during a play, the officials are required to immediately whistle the play dead. Leagues have been more cautious of concussions because many former players are having symptoms of CTE, a disease of the brain that is caused by repetitive brain trauma.
Last week, 5 time pro bowl wide receiver, Wes Welker, shocked the sports world by returning to the NFL signing with the St. Louis Rams. Welker spent last two seasons with the Denver Broncos, and after his contract expired he was not resigned. In Welker’s career, he has suffered six concussions in 12 years in the NFL. Welker was examined by the Ram’s team doctors and was cleared to play.
Photo by Jeffery Beall on Flickr Creative CommonsPhoto by Jeffery Beall on Flickr Creative CommonsPhoto by Jeffery Beall on Flickr Creative Commons
This has been a very controversial topic in the NFL over the past couple of days. Welker and the Rams organization have expressed their confidence in Welker’s ability to stay healthy but their are quite a few doubters. In an episode of Fox Sport’s, America’s Pregame, a former teammate of Welker, Champ Bailey, discouraged the idea of him playing again. He shared his worries about concussions and Welker specifically.
There may be some comforting news for those who are worried about Welker’s health. He was examined by team doctors and was approved. The tests were quite extensive and they found nothing to be concerned over. Welker also mentioned that he was going to play hard but he was not looking for any extra physical contact. — Phillip Christopher
The return to the NFL could be very rewarding for Welker. The Ram’s are second place in the NFC West division and have a shot at making the playoffs. Even after his 12 years in the NFL, a championship still eludes him. One can assume that this is his number one motivation for coming back to the NFL. Even if Welker were to win a Super Bowl with the Ram’s, I still do not think it is worth the risk of another concussion.
Welker became a father to twins earlier this year. He now has kids that he needs to be thinking about in his decision to return to football. There is no telling of what trauma may be caused to Welker’s brain if he were to suffer from another concussion. I understand that he has a passion for football but is it really worth putting his family at risk?
There may be some comforting news for those who are worried about Welker’s health. He was examined by team doctors and was approved. The tests were quite extensive and they found nothing to be concerned over. Welker also mentioned that he was going to play hard but he was not looking for any extra physical contact. From what he has said in all of his interviews regarding the possibility of another concussion, it seems to me that he realizes the risks and believes he can play smart and safe. Another positive is that for the next few weeks, the Ram’s coaching staff will slowly be inserting him into the offense as he learns the plays. This means that Welker will have time to adjust back to playing again before he becomes an essential part of the St. Louis offense.
Over the next few weeks, NFL fans will be tuning into the Ram’s games to see how Welker is playing. It is a risky decision to come back and play again but the rewards may be great. Only time will tell if he made the right decision.
For last week’s sports column, read World of Sports: Royals emerge as new MLB champions
This writer can reached via Twitter: @Phillip11499 and via email: Phillip Christopher
