Clay Matthews shown here concussing Jay Cutler of the Chicago Bears.
At the age of 31, Clay Matthews of the Green Bay Packers abruptly retired from the NFL today after 8 seasons. His decision came just 126 hours 27 minutes and 15 seconds after a high-profile study was released, which stated that in the brain tissue studied of 111 late NFL players, 110 were diagnosed with chronic traumatic encephalopathy, or CTE, a type of irreversible and degenerative brain damage.
Matthews, at 6 ft 243 lbs, caused no less than 20 concussions to opposing players in 2016. “Concussions are a real concern for me. There is no doubt in my mind that I’m the hardest hitter in the league. I’ve seen guys concuss themselves trying to get away from me. Removing myself from the league will drop concussion rates by at least 10%.”
Coach Mike McCarthy said “We’re floored honestly. We try to create a certain culture on our team. Our players are taught day in and day out to hate and despise all opposing players. We don’t understand where this is coming from. But at the same time we respect his decision.”
“It was a very difficult decision to make, I love hitting people really hard for money..” said Matthews, as water began to slowly protrude through his eyes, “but they need to live their lives too, they deserve to see their little boys and girls grow up.”
Matthew Stafford of the Detroit Lions said “For me personally, its like a big weight has been lifted. We play them twice a year. I was considering retiring myself for fear of getting concussions, but now with Matthews gone I don’t have to.”
Players all across the league have come out and shown support for Matthews’ decision. He’s received cash and thank you cards from over 400 different NFL players. “I’ve received lots of thank yous from current players in the league but also from a bunch of NCAA players who hope to play in the NFL one day. That’s how I know I’ve made the right decision.”
Matthews played 113 games over 8 seasons with the Green Bay Packers. During that time he recorded 72.5 sacks, 6 interceptions and 124 opponent concussions.
[Writer’s Note: I have a lot of respect for NFL players choosing to retire to preserve their health. It takes a heck of a lot of courage to turn down that kind of money. ]
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