Philadelphia Eagles Cornerback Might Not Retire After All

There were several reports Monday that Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Ellis Hobbs was definitely going to retire following his second neck/spine injury in just as many seasons.

Hobbs, however, has directly contradicted that report.

“No,” Hobbs told PhiladelphiaEagles.com Tuesday when asked if he had made a definitive decision. “I haven’t done anything. I’m just relaxing.”

Hobbs might not have made a definite choice yet, but anything other than retirement seems foolish. Given the hit he took, it’s nothing short of a miracle the man can still walk and function like a normal human being. Guys make it to the NFL because they refuse to quit or admit defeat, but at some point sense must override his natural urge to continue playing football.

This is not an ankle or knee injury that might bother him later when he’s older if he continues to play on it. This is an injury that could debilitate him for life. If he takes another hit to his head and neck area, it could mean he spends the rest of his life in a wheelchair.

Hobbs has proven he’s a smart guy, and does not need the NFL to make money. He would likely to be able to build a career in broadcasting if he chose to do so, and could even be a coaching candidate down the line if that’s something in which he’d be interested.

He has a lot of options, but continuing to play in the NFL should not be one of them.