Packers tight end Jermichael Finley was the subject of a feature story on ESPN's "Sunday NFL Countdown."
Finley suffered a bruised spinal cord in Week 7 against the Cleveland Browns, which ended his season. In November, he elected to have spinal fusion surgery and when he heals is expected to be cleared to play.
Finley, 26, is in the last year of his contract with the Packers. He becomes an unrestricted free agent after the season.
"Quitting the game is not what I want to do," Finley told ESPN reporter Josina Anderson.
After suffering the injury, Finley said he was worried about more than just being able to return to play.
"Will I be able to walk again?" Finley said. "Will I be able to move my arms again?"
After the surgery, neurosurgeon Joseph Maroon, who performed the operation, came to visit with his patient.
"He came in and told me that it was 99.9% that I will clear you once the fusion got together," Finley said. "I was relieved. I was like, I don't want to see you anymore, just leave. I got the news I wanted."
Finley said: "I didn't want to leave the game on an injury like that. I want to leave the game on my own terms, be able to retire and do it when I want for the rest of my life."
ESPN reporter Adam Schefter said, referring to Finley: "He'd love to return to the Packers but he's unwilling to do it at a discount. He was asked if he wants to be paid like a top tight end and he said he wants to be in the top of everything."