My general feeling is that players start preparing for this career at age 19 , and the average NFL career is 4-5 years. Those lucky enough to have an 8-9 year career walk away with a permanent limp or 3 knee surgeries or arthritis in their fifties, or tinnitus (ringing of the ears) (see concussions). Therefore, the players are entitled to get whatever they can get.Oh and the 18 game season is really a BAD idea for the players. Two more games to get maimed.
Because the injury risk is so much greater than any other sport, football is not analogous to any other sport.
It's not the auto industry either.