Pro football careers are surely among the shortest if not the shortest, on average, of any in the major team sports. When these careers end, whether voluntarily or involuntarily, many players struggle as they attempt to transition to new livelihoods, family responsibilities, and personal relationships. Entering the so-called real world after years in the bubble of special treatment and privilege is the focus of the authors鈥� study, which draws on the experiences of many ex-NFLers, including co-author George Koonce, who spent nearly a decade with the Green Bay Packers.
Here鈥檚 an excerpt from Is There Life After Football?:
鈥淧layers typically haven鈥檛 spent much time around the house during their playing days, and, according to their wives, they may not be fully 鈥榯here鈥� when they are home. They haven鈥檛 been responsible for many household chores, and were minimally involved with childcare. After retirement, wives often demand that players do their fair share around the house 鈥� something a temporarily shamed and emotionally vulnerable player may resent. Players find out that being a good father requires more than simply hugging the kids on the field after a winning game. Being a good husband means more than bringing home a paycheck. Providing support, rather than receiving it, is a new and difficult role.鈥�
