BJ Raji steps away from football

This needs it's own thread

Not according to DIGGR

SHOULDA BEEN YOU GOLDIE!

jeeze BJ, this hoses my entire consensus board.

butterfly wings, BJ, butterfly wings

Lead the DL in Pick 6's couple years ago.  You never replace a guy like BJ.

He and his agent agreed on a new contract when he said no. Crazy.

I see the words hiatus. Not necessarily permanent but sounds like 2016 season at least. Better to know now then.... oh wait.

Sorry to hear that B.J. has some family members with serious health issues.  Hope all goes well for the family.

Did he fail a drug test? 

Lot to be said about not going through the motions for a check. And his heads in the right place. Family first. 

Thanks for everything BJ. 2010 doesn't happen without you. 

Going forward. They way the draft looks likes it's going to break says GB should give a long hard look at Laurinaitis. Grab the best slob for the Dline or Oline or pure pass rusher in round 1 and then draft the best guy according to the board after that. 

Best wishes Raji. You were a great Packer. 

It is hard for me to wish him well, because I think he is going to regret it.

I mean, a "hiatus" from the NFL. When has that ever worked out for a player?

You want to walk away, then walk away. This just sounds weird, like Ricky Williams type weird. Meanwhile, he abandons the team and the fans, but it's praise-worthy because he might change his mind? Not.

All ACC twice. First rounder. Pro bowler. Super Bowl Champion. Never played an NFL season without going to the playoffs. 7 straight years. 

And you think he's going to regret it? 

**** what a life you must have lived to pass a judgement like that. 

I agree it seems 'strange' for Raji to make this decision, right now, but it's his decision to make. I really don't care why, but I respect his decision, and wish him the very best for the future. Who knows, maybe it won't be the last we see of him.

Just for knowledge (and discussion), I sure would like to know what the contract length and dollars were...

Pistol GB posted:

It is hard for me to wish him well, because I think he is going to regret it.

I mean, a "hiatus" from the NFL. When has that ever worked out for a player?

You want to walk away, then walk away. This just sounds weird, like Ricky Williams type weird. Meanwhile, he abandons the team and the fans, but it's praise-worthy because he might change his mind? Not.

If I'm Raji I pretty much tell you to go **** yourself.  

Pistol GB posted:

It is hard for me to wish him well, because I think he is going to regret it.

I mean, a "hiatus" from the NFL. When has that ever worked out for a player?

You want to walk away, then walk away. This just sounds weird, like Ricky Williams type weird. Meanwhile, he abandons the team and the fans, but it's praise-worthy because he might change his mind? Not.

I think the complete opposite.  I think he was looking out for the team and fans.  If he isn't motivated then I don't want him on the team collecting a paycheck while going half assed through the motions.  He appreciates the Packers and fans and decided to not take advantage of the situation.  Most would just collect the paycheck. 

Pistol GB posted:

It is hard for me to wish him well, because I think he is going to regret it.

I mean, a "hiatus" from the NFL. When has that ever worked out for a player?

You want to walk away, then walk away. This just sounds weird, like Ricky Williams type weird. Meanwhile, he abandons the team and the fans, but it's praise-worthy because he might change his mind? Not.

Why is Jordy getting hurt and missing a season due to injury any different?  

Both are theoretically coming back after missing a year. If anything, coming back after a year that wasn't due to major injury should be an easier transition.

I wonder if the diabetes running in his family played a role in his thinking. He's listed at 6'2", 337 pounds. He's probably been a good 30-40 pounds over that during some points of his career. He needs to lose about 100 pounds and take care of himself so that he can live a healthy life into his 70s and 80s. Not to mention the concerns about concussions and head trauma that must factor into his decision.

" Meanwhile, he abandons the team and the fans, but it's praise-worthy because he might change his mind? Not."

He owes you money? I don't think I've ever read something this privileged from a fan.

I'm hoping this hiatus is for the best and he comes back to the Pack in 2017.

Very hard to say he'll regret it.  I have no doubt he'll miss parts of being an NFL player on the Packers but we all don't see what goes into being a player.  The off season long preparation for training camp, the pain they go through Monday-Saturday, the drugs that go into their body just to be able to play Sunday, and the cloud hanging over them, knowing that statistics show that an ex-NFLers life after football is likely shorter and significantly more difficult than the average person.  

I don't think any of this signifies the end of the NFL (like some media types were saying after Boreland retired) but I think you'll see more players retire around age 30.  That's after their second (and likely biggest) contract and for certain positions, the height of their athleticism.  

Good for Raji.  I hope he's at peace with his decision and he sees success in whatever ventures he takes.  

CUPackFan posted:

Very hard to say he'll regret it.  I have no doubt he'll miss parts of being an NFL player on the Packers but we all don't see what goes into being a player.  The off season long preparation for training camp, the pain they go through Monday-Saturday, the drugs that go into their body just to be able to play Sunday, and the cloud hanging over them, knowing that statistics show that an ex-NFLers life after football is likely shorter and significantly more difficult than the average person.  

I don't think any of this signifies the end of the NFL (like some media types were saying after Boreland retired) but I think you'll see more players retire around age 30.  That's after their second (and likely biggest) contract and for certain positions, the height of their athleticism.  

Good for Raji.  I hope he's at peace with his decision and he sees success in whatever ventures he takes.  

Good post. QBs, kickers, and punters might end up being the only guys that play past their early 30s (for the most part, they already are). It's three positions where consistent success is due most directly to the mental aspect of the game.

ChilliJon posted:

All ACC twice. First rounder. Pro bowler. Super Bowl Champion. Never played an NFL season without going to the playoffs. 7 straight years. 

And you think he's going to regret it? 

**** what a life you must have lived to pass a judgement like that. 

The fact that he says he is "not ruling out returning" tells you he is not even sure himself.  Historically, even the players who ARE sure regret it and try to come back.  Look no further than Reggie White.  It is a very real phenomenon.  They step away and regret it.

It has nothing to do with my life.  It's a prediction.  I'll bet you a $50 donation to X4 he tries to come back.

Henry posted:

If I'm Raji I pretty much tell you to go **** yourself.  

I don't pretend he gives 2 ****s what I think.

grignon posted:

" Meanwhile, he abandons the team and the fans, but it's praise-worthy because he might change his mind? Not."

He owes you money? I don't think I've ever read something this privileged from a fan.

No he doesn't owe me anything.  All I'm saying is, I think he's going to try to come back, so it's hard for me to bust out the sentimental accolades at this point.

And when he does, he's going to be out of football shape and it probably won't work. So in my opinion, he's making a mistake and will regret it.  Yes it is his decision.  It's also my opinion.

That's the privilege of an internet forum, and that's all it is.

Raji's play slipped after 2010 but I thought he had a nice year in 2012 and another good one this past year. The plays he made during the 2010 playoff run cemented him as one of my favorite Packers. He was unbelievable in SB XLV; one of the true unsung heroes of that game. Wish him all the best. 

Henry posted:

Pistol GB posted:

If I'm Raji I pretty much tell you to go **** yourself.  

Same bet to you, Pindick. 50 bucks he changes his mind.

Put your money where your potty-mouth is.

Wouldn't be so sure about Raji changing his mind. He said his family is set financially for generations to come. To me that means he's put some thought into this and invested wisely to set himself up. Either way, he did a great job coming off the injury and he owes GB and fans nothing.

I read an interesting point, that it's one thing for players like Raji to put the work in and make the sacrifice when they're getting paid the big bucks, but as soon as they hit their 30's and they're making close to the veteran minimum, it's no longer worth it.  Some players can't walk away, due to financial reasons.  Sounds like Raji could.  

Fandame posted:

Wouldn't be so sure about Raji changing his mind. He said his family is set financially for generations to come. To me that means he's put some thought into this and invested wisely to set himself up. Either way, he did a great job coming off the injury and he owes GB and fans nothing.

I beg to differ....the least he could do, is to lose some weight and take a shot at ILB or TE.

If that doesn't work out...then he can go.

As a matter of fact we should require this from all players until the positions are filled up to the expectations of the Times Four community.