Typically in this blog, I'm writing about topics which revolve around transitioning or departing from pro sports, but I've been following a story that reached a pinnacle shortly before this year's Super Bowl last month and I cannot resist telling you more.
It is a story about an NFL running back, who after his fifth season in the league was released pre-season this past year. At this moment, I could easily go into my rant of how, "100% of Professional Athletes Ultimately Experience Job Termination," or how important it is for every pro athlete to have some type of Transition Plan for when their final day comes and they must depart the game they so love, but I'm refraining for now. Refraining long enough to tell you this amazing story of how an athlete was faced with his termination and possible ending of his NFL career. But wait it gets better. Not only was this particular player facing the cold, hard truth of being on the outside wall of an NFL stadium, but cut by the worst team in NFL history.
August 2008, Detroit Lion running back, Sean McHugh, was told he was no longer good enough to remain on their roster. With a young family to support (a 1 year old son at home and one on the way), Sean's one year contracts never provided him the financial cushion that would've made this bad news any easier to swallow. The uncertainty which faces every professional athlete at some point was staring Sean dead-straight into his eyes, but Sean hardly got a chance to flinch. Hearing the news of his release, the Pittsburgh Steelers called that same day and eventually offered him a spot on their roster.
For those of you who follow football, you may know the rest of the story. Rather than finishing 0-16, as the Detroit Lions unfortunately did this past season, Sean's Steelers finished 12-4 and eventually won the Super Bowl. Sean himself stated, "It's been crazy. Four months ago you're sitting at home, just cut from the Detroit Lions, thinking life's over, and now you're playing in the Super Bowl." To sweeten the pot, Sean recently signed a three-year deal worth $2.57 million with a reported $390,000 signing bonus. From the Crap house to the Penthouse.
I bet Sean McHugh's not too upset he was cut by the Lions now...
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