I’ve played for 50 years. Football, softball, basketball, field hockey, and many made up games I can’t remember. I played in the streets and still have the scars from being tackled on asphalt. I ran in the house, threw on some band aids, and ran back out to play. I missed two downs. The thrill of playing combined with adrenaline outward the pain. Over 50 years nothing changed.
If you see an older player, you may think she’s still playing because she’s been so lucky to never have had a serious injury. I guarantee you you’re wrong. No one plays long and hard without getting injured. We still take the field because we are willing to get fixed, get well, and take the risk of doing it all again. Now there is nothing wrong with retiring after an injury. It might be the saner thing to do. Like the decision to go for it on fourth down, it’s a cost-benefit analysis. It’s a risk-reward equation. For me the joy of playing always out ways the risk of injury even after having my fair share.
I was at the orthopedist getting a cortisone shot in my elbow that I had to list as broken and torn. I ran out of room. I’ve played long and hard and I’ve cherished every moment of it. It will be with reluctance that I hang up my cleats. Well, I’ll probably just hand them in for a pair of golf shoes and some hiking boots. But don’t worry about me, I’m here because without fail I found a way to take the field. A dear friend and teammate is over 40. She said there’s no way she’ll be playing at 57. I don’t have the heart to tell her she said the same thing at 40. It is simply the question you ask yourself, “Do I feel like playing today?” If the answer is yes and you can still contribute something, then play.