Eugene Monroe Can Be A Nightmare For NFL

Dec 14, 2014; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens tackle Eugene Monroe (60) during the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 14, 2014; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens tackle Eugene Monroe (60) during the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports

Eugene Monroe had a career hampered by injuries. He was released by the Ravens this offseason. Yesterday, Monroe announced his intention to retire. A talented 29 year old with a cause (one the NFL does not want in the news) just left the game. Now Monroe could be a nightmare for the National Football League.

Related Story: New Perspective On The Ravens Cutting Eugene Monroe

Shortly before he was released, Monroe wrote an article in The Players Tribune which called for the NFL to accept medical marijuana. He touched on the harmful and addictive risks of opiod pain killers. It was a story that made the NFL executives cringe. The league was essentially called out by a player who got beaten up by the game.

Now Monroe has a new article in The Players Tribune. He conveyed his fear of CTE, a degenerative brain disease caused by concussions. CTE are three letters that hurt the NFL. Its not a safe game. When the league gets called on that the shield takes on a massive liability.

Monroe has a powerful message. He packs a potent point. Now Monroe, who has been vocal as a player, can make more noise in retirement. This sticks with the trend of players choosing retirement over another contract, fearing for their well being.

More from Ebony Bird

If Roger Goodell is smart, he should hire Monroe. He should make up some title like “Player Safety Monitor” or start something like a player advocate program. Monroe is selling something that could give damaging insights into the NFL’s operations. The NFL may want to work with Monroe. It would make Monroe’s concerns less of a public outcry and more of a discussion with the league’s best and brightest.

Players are becoming more and more concerned with their well being. They’re also being less inclined to stay in the league for a long time. Chris Borland, a linebacker for the San Fransisco 49ers, retired at the age of 25. His teammate, Patrick Willis, retired at the age of 29. Calvin Johnson retired after his ninth season in the league.

When Barry Sanders retired in 1999, it shocked a lot of people. Sanders still had a lot of football left in the tank, but he called it quits. Maybe Sanders was ahead of the curve. Maybe he was on to what Monroe and many others would be worried about.

Next: Ravens: Projecting Every Starter And The Next Man Up

In many respects Monroe is just the next player to follow this earlier exit. His career may have been over any way. However Monroe has become an advocate for medical marijuana in the NFL. Monroe has pledged to help change how the NFL deals with pain. Monroe has a cause. That makes him something for the NFL to worry about.

Schedule