If you have a 12 year career (LONG by NFL standards), and enter at 21, you are done at 33. If you enter at 20, you are done at 32. With the exception of kickers and QB mostly, who are protected from getting beat up every game, nobody equates age with retirement..it is how much of a beating you take for how long.If your body can only take 12 years, it can only take 12 years (I use that number, but it is likely LESS than that). It matters NOT that you are used up at 32 or 33, or stay in school for 5 years and play until you are 34!

What people say about starting as early as possible relates to OUR careers (and only IF you have mandatory retirement at say, 65)..NOT an athlete who plays until the body gives out at a VERY young age.

It's NOT chronological, it is wear and tear!.
[Post edited by HOKIERIT at 02/18/2018 7:46PM]