Former Ohio State linebacker Andrew Sweat has a real shot at the NFL, if he wants it. But Sweat won't risk head trauma by living out the dream of millions of kids across America — and he used Twitter to confirm his decision not to chase an NFL contract.
The Columbus Dispatch originally reported that Sweat told the paper his choice on Friday in a text message. On Sunday night, Sweat told the rest of the world with this tweet:
Concussion symptoms didn't want to risk it.. Thanks to the browns for the opportunity. Health trumps football any day
— Andrew Sweat (@asweat42) May 14, 2012
The next day, posts on the popular sports blog Deadspin and legal blog Above the Law chewed up and spit out Sweat's decision to forego NFL riches, where a rookie minimum contract commands $390,000. Above the Law called it "the biggest mistake of his life." By Wednesday morning, CNN had picked up the story as well.
Sweat's statement takes on added significance following the suicide of NFL legend Junior Seau earlier this month. News of Seau's death spread rapidly on Twitter, as fans, players and media commentators debated the role that a career of high-impact collisions may have had on Seau's mental health (see gallery below).
Over the past couple years, the NFL has been increasingly framed by some as a blood sport that has become too dangerous for humans to play and fans to not watch with a free conscious. In that context, Sweat's decision probably makes perfect sense to many. But Above the Law and Deadspin both argued that a dragging economy in the law field means Sweat is unlikely to land in a desirable spot without an elite education.
Fittingly, Sweat went back on Twitter to rebuke that assertion:
@Deadspin might need to get facts right. "good setup" my dad has a very successful law firm think I'm okay here..
— Andrew Sweat (@asweat42) May 14, 2012
Do you think Sweat is making the right decision, or a huge mistake? And do you think Twitter was an appropriate place for him to discuss the choice? Let us know in the comments.
BONUS GALLERY: Twitter Mourns Junior Seau, Questions Pro Football
NFL legend Deion Sanders expressed disbelief when he first heard the news.
The San Diego Chargers -- where Seau became a superstar -- used their Twitter page to host a stream of tributes to him, including this Instagram shot.
Former NFL quarterback Doug Flutie was one of many current and former players to honor Seau on Twitter.
Tampa Bay Times writer Michael Kruse tweeted a link to a quote from a reaction piece to Seau's death by The Nation sports editor Dave Zirin.
Sportswriter Jason McIntyre tweeted a link to a hearbreaking news video of Seau's mother crying on TV.
Fox News correspondent Adam Housley tweeted this photo of reporters and mourners gathered outside the Seau home.
Current 49ers linebacker Patrick Willis used Twitter to pay respect to one of his position's all-time greats.
Current Packers linebacker Clay Matthews did the same.
New England Patriots wide receiver Chad Ochocinco tweeted condolences in both English and Spanish.
Yahoo Sports columnist Dan Wetzel tweeted disgust at head trauma experts offering expertise before the factors behind Seau's death had been fully determined.
NFL legend Deion Sanders expressed disbelief when he first heard the news.
The San Diego Chargers -- where Seau became a superstar -- used their Twitter page to host a stream of tributes to him, including this Instagram shot.
Former NFL quarterback Doug Flutie was one of many current and former players to honor Seau on Twitter.
Tampa Bay Times writer Michael Kruse tweeted a link to a quote from a reaction piece to Seau's death by The Nation sports editor Dave Zirin.
Sportswriter Jason McIntyre tweeted a link to a hearbreaking news video of Seau's mother crying on TV.
Fox News correspondent Adam Housley tweeted this photo of reporters and mourners gathered outside the Seau home.
Current 49ers linebacker Patrick Willis used Twitter to pay respect to one of his position's all-time greats.
Current Packers linebacker Clay Matthews did the same.
New England Patriots wide receiver Chad Ochocinco tweeted condolences in both English and Spanish.
Yahoo Sports columnist Dan Wetzel tweeted disgust at head trauma experts offering expertise before the factors behind Seau's death had been fully determined.
Thumbnail image courtesy of iStockphoto, LUGO
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