Jason Taylor: 95-Percent of Players Would Do It All Again

The NFL is currently being rocked by concussions. There are some 2,000 former players suing the league over concussions. Speculation is flying that Junior Seau committed suicide because of concussions he suffered during his time in the NFL. Concussions are the hot topic around the NFL this offseason.

But, according to Miami Dolphins legend Jason Taylor, 95% of NFL players, former and current, would do it all again if given the chance.

Taylor spoke with Joe Rose on 560 WQAM earlier today, and after stating that he, along with everyone else that plays the game, will have concussions at some point, he was asked if he agreed with Rose's opinion that every player would do it all again, despite the concussions and injuries. Taylor replied, "Yeah, I think 95% of the guys would probably do it again. Look, when you sign up to play this game, you understand that there's a risk involved. I think as adults, we can make more of an educated guess, or decision. But, you know, we as professionals choose to play this game, we know the risks that come along with it. We know that you're going to be injured. You're going to get hurt; part of the game. That's why a lot of guys say your first day of playing professional football is the last day your going to be healthy in your life."

Rose then asked Taylor about if JT would allow his own kids to play football, specifically if he would allow them to play tackle football before high school. Taylor responded, "Well, we will cross that bridge when we come to it. Right now, I have a nine year old and an eight year old, and, they do not play football. I won't let them play yet.

"I think it's too early. Too much that can go wrong. Too many issues right now. And I think the youth sports has really changed, particularly from where I grew up in Pittsburgh. Youth sports down here now, it's five or six days a week, and I don't understand the...the Weston Warriors, they have a conditioning camp for a month. Like a ten year old needs to go out and condition. Like they're professional athletes. Really?

"You have to run sprints, and do pushups, and get yelled at and screamed at? You hear these youth coaches cussing at these ten year old kids. It's just become ridiculous. And the schedule, and the wear and tear they are putting these kids through is becoming ridiculous. I think that will have a cumulative effect at some point in these kids lives, and that's my prerogative as a parent, to decide to keep my kids out."

Rose and Taylor then discussed the reaction to former quarterback Kurt Warner's statement earlier this week that he will not allow his kids to play football, along with several other things. Check out the entire 15 minute interview on Joe Rose's site. It's worth the listen.