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I cried this evening because of Aaron Smith.
Smith played defensive end for the Pittsburgh Steelers – played it well, one of their best at that position and they have had good ones – played it long, for over 12 seasons.
Late last week, the Steelers placed Aaron Smith on the injured reserve list, ending his year before the season ended for the third time in a row. A neck injury caused this move. Many speculated that it would end not only the 2011 season, but Smith’s career.
Today I learned the truth of that thinking.
Aaron Smith’s career has come to an end. In the words of Ron Cook, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette writer:
I’m guessing a lot of other Steelers felt like crying when they heard that Smith was done at 35 after 12 1/2 NFL seasons. Team neurosurgeon Joe Maroon examined Smith and couldn’t promise him that he wouldn’t have a catastrophic neck injury if he played again. Instead, Smith will have surgery that will allow him to continue to lead a normal life.
Related articles
- Thank you, Aaron Smith (graybeardtrail.wordpress.com)
- Aaron Smith to have neck surgery – ESPN (espn.go.com)
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