The Case of Sean Morey

WR Sean Morey of the Arizona Cardinals was drafted in 1999 in the 7th round by the Pats. The former Brown University start saw no action that year. He was cut when Coach Belichick arrived in 2000. Morey quickly learned that his only route of survival in the NFL would be through special teams. Although he continued to appear as a receiver on depth charts, it would be his special teams play that would let him carve out an 11 year career with four teams, including the Pats, Steelers, Eagles and Cardinals. He gained All-Pro status on special teams following the 2008 season.

Special team players are often those who are on the edge of the roster. There is tremendous pressure to perform. If you miss a game, there is someone behind you waiting to take your place. Many play on Sundays with injuries.

The NFL has begun to recognize one of its dark secrets. There are a tremendous amount of head injuries, particularly concussions, which lead to debilitating conditions later on in life. Morey was recently named as co-chair of the NFL Players Association committee for concussion and traumatic brain injuries. He joined a growing list of current and former players who have agreed to donate their brains for research upon their death.

Morey recently admitted that he played in the previous week's game against the Bears in spite of suffering a concussion a week earlier. He admitted being less than truthful with the team's medical staff and was able to get clearance to play.

His case is just one example of how players put their life and limb on the line every time they get on the field. There is a code of silence for discussing injuries. Once their career is over, they are often on their own to deal with their medical issues. The league doesn't do enough to take care of its former players or recognize the probelms they face.