Professional athletes face many transitions throughout their lives. Not to over simplify, but they have a transition into sports, a transition within sports, and a transition out of sports.
Most athletes embrace and transition nicely into sports. In fact, it's probably one of the easiest transitions a high caliber athlete will ever make. Getting into sports is often told to me, as one of the best things that's ever happened to them.
Not so much the transition within sports. Often, a professional athlete experiences the side of sports most common folk are unaware of. The extensive travel, the fierce competition for positions and victories, the social/emotional adjustment to large money and fame, and the business aspect of professional sports. Some professional athletes adjust well, some do not.
The transition from sports can be even more difficult. "100% of Professional Athletes Ultimately Experience Job Termination". This is an undeniable fact. 25% of athletes go bankrupt within the first year out; 60% of NBA players are broke within five years; Up to 80% experience divorce; and over 75% of NFL players go broke within five years. As mentioned, this transition can be difficult.
For former Detroit Red Wing and Chicago Blackhawks, Bob Probert, these transitions not only proved difficult, but life changing.
Known for his ability to drop the gloves and play the "enforcer" on any ice, Bob had a tough-guy image as a professional athlete. This is a role he not only seemed to embrace, but even wrote about in his book titled, "Bruise Brothers" co-written with Red Wings teammate, Joe Kocur. Bob was also known for his difficulties off the ice, often wrestling a larger foe and possible addictions. These addictions arguably lead to difficult transitions within the sport, and especially transitioning out of sports.
On July 5, 2010 Bob Probert died. Succumbed to an apparent massive heart attack while boating with his wife and children, Bob made his final transition, prematurely at the age of 45. Though, release of information from the autospy did not indicate any substance tied to his death, you have to wonder if long term effects did have an impact. The premature death of his father by heart attack can certainly rule this thinking out. Regardless, Bob Probert has made his final transition.
Why is it in our society we announce and find the good things in people only once they are dead? Amongst all of the bad press and bad publicity Bob Probert has received before, during, and after his professional career it's not until his final transition that the outpouring of heartfelt thanks, and understanding of this man and his desire to wrestle his demons on his own terms ha truly come out. Bob's heartfelt appreciation of the people who supported him, despite his shortcomings, was apparent. He played harder and inspired, understanding people cut him a break.
We ALL face transitions in our lives. Some good, some bad, some desired, and some not but we'll ALL face them. Ultimately, we'll ALL face our final transition (hopefully much later, than sooner). Professional athlete or not, my hope is we use the premature death of NHL's Bob Probert as an example of how important kind words before this final transition can be, and let me start by saying "Thank You" for reading my Blog.
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