i played inside linebacker in hs and college and all the way up little league.

i have had multiple concussions. i watched practice film from wingate and an entire half of a scrimmage i dont remember, i watched myself running around making plays. and to this day i dont remember doing them.

its scary. and i still have problems to this day, dizzness, bad headaches etc.

the biggest problem of all is the coaches growing up.....you were "weak" if you complained about injuries. you were "soft" if you missed a practice.

"this is football.....this isnt cheerleading.....rub some dirt on it"

is what i heard all the time. i hyperextended my knee in practice on weds. was scared to say anything, played against our rivals friday....found out monday (after i saw my knee was swollen and bruised) that i had a acl and pcl tear. thats in highschool.

all our lives as football players we are given and demanded to have this image and repuation to be tough guys. badass. and "real men"

that has to change, change for the kids growing up, so they arent afraid to tell the trainer his head hurts. to get some medical attention, and not go out on the field to make it worse.

 

IMO, Zach has taken this too far. He had no business ever even signing that contact with the Chiefs. In his condition, taking the risk to play on a team as far away from contending as the Chiefs are, is just ridiculous. I understand his desire to keep playing but every player has to come to terms at some point, with the fact that it's just over.....time to take a bow.

I'm with ya, I hope he hangs em up

 

Excellent post...

 

Its time to hang'em up 54.

 

I'm going the other way, if he wants to play, let him try and play. He has medical clearance, its his choice.

I'm sure he talked it out with his family.

 

A whole lot of internet doctors up in this piece.

 

I thought he should have retired a while ago. Not because of any health concerns, but simply because he isnt very good anymore.

 

Unfortunately that's the truth. While his heart, determiniation and sheer effort were enough to keep him going for so many years with him, his small size, and age have caught up with him.. I understand the desire to want to win, and to keep playing the game he loves, but its time to pack it in. Its unfortunate, I loved watching him play, and he was outstanding for us. However, his time has come to pack it in. Pick up that one day phins contract, and retire as a phin. Thanks for the great memories.

 

I def agree on Zach retiring and I really hoped he was going to call it a day after Dallas.

Def don't want him to end up another Wayne Crebet.

 

Tell that to Brett Favre...lol.

Seriously though, I agree. Hope Zach realizes there's more to life than playing football. Time to move on #54. Loved watching him play (for us) though. One of my all time favorite Dolphins. Dude had heart and then some. Like to see retire as a Dolphin and him added to the ring of honor. He definitely deserves it IMHO.

 

i wish he could leave on a more positive note, instead of retiring after a horrible team just cut him.

 

bring him home for one game retire him as a Dolphin, then re-hire him as an asst. LB/Def coach. let's keep him where he belongs

 

Zach should retire when he wants to retire. If he has medical clearance and wants to keep playing, that is his choice. Whichever way he goes, I'll wish him the best. I won't come on a forum and pretend to know all the details of his personal condition to the point where I say for certain he should do this or should do that.

 

I think it is an injustice and quite rediculous that this regime wouldn't resign him this year or let him stay in the first place! Because he's under six-feet tall? I'm still not happy about that... He would still be leading the team in tackles and mentoring Akin and Channing. Only thing I've been REALLY not happy about with the trifecta.

 

I'm not a doctor, don't play one on TV nor did I stay in a Holiday Inn last night........still, Zach needs to hang it up before he needs a drool cup.

 

I'm guessing he's still sitting and waiting for a team to call?

I'm no Dr. either, but these guys have to know the consequences of their injuries etc. If they go on and play, then it's on them. If a team forces them to play, saying their ok , that's a different story.
Zach has to know his limits by now. He doesn't appear to be a stupid guy.
I love Zach and want the best for him.
I'd love to see him back home even in a limited roll if that's what it would take.

The thought of Zach Thomas sitting, waiting for a phone call to play ball is depressing to me.