Code Switch An NFL star on what the game costs those who play it
Feb 17, 2025
Dominique Foxworth, a former NFL player and president of the NFL Players Association, dives deep into the hidden costs of professional football. He candidly discusses the severe physical and mental toll on players, particularly the long-term effects of injuries and CTE. Foxworth also addresses the stark racial and economic disparities players face compared to team owners, along with the inadequacies in support for retired athletes. This engaging conversation sheds light on the often-overlooked struggles behind the glamour of the NFL.
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NFL as a Microcosm of America
- The NFL's dynamics reflect broader American issues of race, class, and power.
- Foxworth notes the racial and wealth disparities between players and owners and the military-like culture of silence.
Owners' Mindset
- NFL owners, while verbally supportive of player well-being, are unwilling to make sacrifices to ensure it.
- This reluctance stems from a belief that their success is solely their own, making concessions feel like theft.
Game Dangers
- Dominique Foxworth witnessed severe injuries and death while playing in the NFL.
- He recounts instances of paralysis, a player dying in the locker room, and his own future need for joint replacements.