Catching up with them

The SF Chronicle runs a sobering article today, the day of the AFC and NFC Championship games. It's a look back at some of the players from the 1981-2 49ers championship team. That team finally got past the Cowboys, thanks to this famous play, as aptly described by author Ron Kroicheck:

"On the most famous play in 49ers history, amid the din at raucous Candlestick Park, Joe Montana raced to his right and hurriedly scanned the field. He backpedaled to elude three onrushing Dallas players, twice pumped his arm to throw and floated an off-balance pass into the back of the end zone. Dwight Clark had cut to the middle before abruptly reversing direction. Clark sprinted toward the corner, leaped high, reached both arms above his head and made The Catch, forever cementing his place in 49ers lore."

But now, 25 years later, the members of that team face a painful struggle just to perform everyday tasks. 20 of the 30 players contacted by the Chronicle "live with persistent pain," 12 of them either have or will eventually need joint replacement surgeries, and 2 have had their spines fused. As Kroicheck continues the story:

"Twenty-five years later, Montana's left knee is essentially shredded. His right eye occasionally sags from nerve damage. His neck is so stiff, he could not turn his head to look at a reporter asking him questions while he signed memorabilia. Montana, 50, turned both shoulders instead.
Clark, also 50, endures sharp pain every time he lifts his arms above his head -- the exact motion he effortlessly completed on The Catch -- because of a bent screw in his left shoulder and arthritis in his right shoulder. The simple act of turning his head also is a chore, thanks to all those jarring hits on crossing patterns over the middle."

Some players have it worse:

"Former linebacker Craig Puki's knees are so damaged, he said, 'If someone left me standing at Costco, on concrete, I'd probably start crying.'"

Of course these 49er players aren't unique: the physical toll of playing football haunts the majority of its former stars, journeymen, and even part-time players. A few doctors are now studying the cardiovascular risks of retired NFL athletes. Because they find physical movement so difficult, former players cannot exercise, and often see their weight balloon. This risk has only grown in recent times, as more and more players top the 300-pound mark during their playing days.

And let's not forget the danger of concussions: a former Eagles defensive back, Andre Waters, committed suicide recently at the age of 44; doctors blamed it on brain damage sustained while dealing out hits on the football field.

But despite the pain, all but one of the 49ers players insists they have no regrets:

"Said Montana: 'I wouldn't trade it for anything -- the excitement, the fun, the friendships. There's nothing like a Sunday afternoon.'"

Are you not entertained?

(well, hypocritical as it may sound, I know I am. I'll be watching from a safe location where the only dangers involve spicy buffalo wings and too much beer.)