If the docs clear him, i see no problem.
ANYONE can break their neck while playing football. If Collins has had his neck fixed, and the doctors say he's 100%, i'd let him play if HE chooses to.

Originally Posted by: Cheesey 

Yeah, I agree. If he is cleared, deemed to be 100%, and truly wants to play again no matter what, I think it would be lame to see the Packers not allow him. It'd be unfortunate for the Packers if he were to sign with another team and return to form. Obviously his health is the main concern here, but if he's cleared and wants to play, he should be allowed. He's a grown man capable of making his own decisions along with his family. The Broncos and several other teams didn't seem to have an issue letting Manning play again, despite all of his complications. I understand it's two different positions, but if he's willing to take a blind-side sack at full speed, among other hits, I don't see it being a whole lot different. I remain skeptical of Manning, but I feel as if a player has a right to make the decision themselves. I understand McCarthy's comment about he wouldn't let his son play. However, if his son was a player like Nick Collins and really wanted to play again, I doubt his Dad's objection would stop him. Bottom line, if Collins is cleared and chooses to play again, he's going to, whether it's with the Packers or not.

It will be interesting to see how it plays out.

Originally Posted by: doddpower 

The risk of something happening is much greater for you than for the average player and it is not worth it.

Originally Posted by: wpr 

I think this is the key point of your post. One of the main caveats of returning will likely be if the doctors tell him that he is at no more risk of sustaining the same injury than any other 'healthy' player. My understanding is that, in a perfect scenario, he will not be at any greater risk than a healthy player. Theoretically, that's the entire point of the procedure. If everything fuses and heals properly, it should be "good as new." The risk of this injury has to be significant for every player considering how easily it happened to Nick. It's more of a freak scenario than anything. I know Shawn doesn't believe it's possible for the risk to be the same for a healthy player vs. Nick Collins, but I'll defer to a team of elite professional doctors on that one. I lean towards Shawn's opinion, but who am I to question the medical staff if they in fact state that there is no elevated risk?

I did take McCarthy's comments somewhat out of context as I only gave them a cursory reading. I was more elaborating on my opinion that if Nick is healthy and hell-bent on playing again, the Packer's should probably let him fulfill his contract. I imagine they are going to give it a shot otherwise I'm sure what the purpose of not cutting him already would serve.

Originally Posted by: doddpower 

I think Mike is leading with his heart and not his head. That's all I mean.

Originally Posted by: wpr