Look, I could give a crap about contracts, standing and whatever else: this is, from all I’ve seen, a fine young man who put his body on the line and paid a hefty price.
That, of course, leads me to the ‘I wish football was what is used to be’ crowd. These guys have such a small window to make their money that it’s insane. Wishing for a ‘hometown’ discount is so silly. Do most of us put our livelihoods on the line when we go to work each day? Absolutely not.
These men are not gladiators and we are not Romans.
EDIT: I should add this as well. I used to think I was invincible. I served this country and did my thing. I’ve paid the price: no big deal. But I tell my kids now: “What you do now will echo throughout the rest of your life”, and that gives them pause. I’m glad it does. These men that we root for or against each game day should hear the same.