How the Lockout has affect many NFL players, during the season…

In the offseason we all wondered if there would even be football in 2011, thankfully the players and the owners were able to work out a 10-year deal which is great for anyone that is a football fan. My question is ‘how did the lockout affect current NFL players’ and I believe we can all see the answer. If the players would have been in camp and attended OTA’s and other team activities would we see all the injuries that have taken place so far? Many players, key players have already had season ending injuries and many have missed significant games for their teams. Regardless whether players enjoy those activities or they dislike them when you have gotten into a habit your body tends to get used to those activities. So if you get used to those things when you don’t have them, injuries could be prominent especially in a sport as hard hitting as football. I understand that you can argue the facts from a player perspective that those activities can hamper more than help and that can be true but at the same time without them a career ending injury is also a danger.

For NFL players the desire to have less contact and less padded practices is understandable, especially with the ability of many of these players. The only problem is that many of these players are so used to the rigors of the NFL that to change the system now could mean more injuries now. With the lockout many players were not able to do what they normally would have therefore their bodies were not ready for such high impact and the fast pace of the game. If we look at players like Jamaal Charles, Eric Berry, Jon Beason, Thomas Davis, etc… the list goes on and on of key players that their teams really need all lost to injury. I understand many players got together and held workouts, and make shift team activities but the fact is there is truly nothing like being together and putting in work together as a team. Let’s also look at the ‘rookie factor’ many of these can’t miss prospects out of college didn’t get to work with the team and with other players and that hurt them as they are not as far along as teams would like them to be. The lockout really took its toll on fans and many who love the game but now with football back it seems like it could be taking its toll on our favorite players.

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By Sam Adams
Pro Football Fans Staff Writer