Many of us make sacrifices in life. Each individual at one time or another goes out of the way to do something extraordinary. Some tasks appear simple, others complex. However, there is a breed of human that puts the body on the line for self-satisfaction. And that animal is the athlete.

Dedication is a must in athletics—a commitment to the self and the team. Top athletes use the body in ways some of us can only dream of performing. It’s almost an artform to watch a Michael Jordan slam dunk—a combination of mind and body. Viewing a Gale Sayers run during his prime equals Jordan’s mastery.

But what happens when the body can no longer perform? Simple everyday tasks become a chore. Getting out of bed becomes an accomplishment. Granted, many of us might never have this problem, but I come from a home where my father, a former halfback for the University of Wisconsin, suffers from his gridiron days.

A career-ending knee injury plagues him every day of his life. A man who once worked in the backfield with Elroy “Crazy Legs” Hirsch at Camp Randell Stadium, now shares an assortment of pills with my mother on a daily basis. At the time of the knee injury, however, arthroscopic surgery was not in practice—meaning the knee had to be cut in order to operate. Therefore, making the long-term threat worse.

Before I left for school this year, my father and three of his old-time football buddies had lunch at our house. They sat and talked for hours about the good ‘ole days. When the day neared its end, all of them got up from their chairs, walked to the front door and hobbled out of the house—each with his own distinct limp.

Present day professional players, like the Bears’ Dan Hampton, are truly rare. Hampton, an NFL veteran, looks toward his ninth knee operation. His career? It could possibly be over. I think the only thing keeping Danimal going is his strong desire to play the game. It’s what he’s done since junior year in high school. And it’s hard to walk away from something when you’ve been called “the best”.

Is it worth it? I guess that depends on the individual. Some athletes have to keep playing. It’s a way to get through college financially. Others dream of a pro career. Most of the athletes I’ve talked to never give much thought to injuries—until one occurs. Even then, to think years in advance is not common. Many of us want to rely on medicine as a cure-all. But science is not far enough along to aid ex-athletes in their miseries. For the time being, athletes have to risk future physical problems.

“Dad,” I asked. “Was it worth it? Was it worth the pain?”

“I never want to forget the memories,” my dad said. “The good times were great, but I sometimes find myself asking the same question. When the aches are gone, great. But when a cold front sets in ….”

I don’t like to see the “old man” in his aged state, but if an athlete can honestly say it was worth it—so be it.