Puka - “Retirement at 30”

[snackdaddy]

Heck, I ain't worried. At my age I might not be around by then.

 

[DzRams]

Of course I'm not seeing the context of the conversation but this type of stuff doesnt sit well with me. Aaron Donald played 10 years as an undersized DT who stayed on top by being an absolute freak of nature who was a workout warrior/legend.
To equate the physical grind of #99 career to that of a WR, it would be in like dog years.
Puka also watched Kupp broomed out the door after giving his heart and soul, and wants nothing more than to get back out on the field.
So again, hopefully I'm just seeing it out of context because it just sounds like "I'm gonna milk this, cash in, and get the eff out"

You're right that WR is not the same as DT. I would add that all NFL positions, except maybe kicker and punter, take a toll on one's body. We've already seen Nacua miss time with injuries, which will likely continue with his playing style.

If he wants to live a fully healthy life after football and spend quality time with his kids, there's nothing wrong with "I'm going to make as much as I can and get the eff out." That doesn't mean he's not passionately laying it all on the line when he's out there.

 

[majrleaged]

I worry about now. Let see how it all shakes out.

 

[dieterbrock]

You're right that WR is not the same as DT. I would add that all NFL positions, except maybe kicker and punter, take a toll on one's body. We've already seen Nacua miss time with injuries, which will likely continue with his playing style.

If he wants to live a fully healthy life after football and spend quality time with his kids, there's nothing wrong with "I'm going to make as much as I can and get the eff out." That doesn't mean he's not passionately laying it all on the line when he's out there.

Saying it now? Sounds like lack of commitment
AD didnt miss games in college or pros even though he was banged up and played a more rigorous position
Puka has already missed a lot of games, could he have played thru? I dont know. Again, it may just be context but I'd prefer to hear a guy say that he's gonna play until he's not able to anymore

 

[DzRams]

Saying it now? Sounds like lack of commitment
AD didnt miss games in college or pros even though he was banged up and played a more rigorous position
Puka has already missed a lot of games, could he have played thru? I dont know. Again, it may just be context but I'd prefer to hear a guy say that he's gonna play until he's not able to anymore

I get your perspective on how it can sound like a lack of commitment. I don't feel it automatically means that though. Early in his career, in his 1st or 2nd year, AD said the same thing. He played the exact amount of years he said he would.

Puka missed games in college too when he was still working at getting a high paying NFL job. It comes with his playing style. Knowing the low quality of life many NFL players have after long careers is it really noble to say you want to play until your body falls apart? Yeah, that's commitment...and insanity.

 

[dieterbrock]

Cowherd nails it

View: https://youtu.be/s_WBut5ebOk?si=ZshdpTy-nl-LkzZE