If a number of doctors all give him 100% clearance that there is no greater chance for him to get unjured he should be able to play if he wants. That said, I can fully understand anyone's reluctance to have him play and if his decision is to retire. I believe the decision should be Nick's and his family.

Originally Posted by: PackerTraxx 

In a game against the Houston Oilers on Dec. 13, 1992, in the Houston Astrodome, Holland suffered a herniated disc in his neck and chose to have fusion surgery after the season. The surgery went great and Holland returned to start all 16 games the following year, but in the 17th game, against the Dallas Cowboys in the playoffs, Holland injured his neck again.

Several players have been trickling into Green Bay. And around the team facilities, they see a good sign.

An upbeat, optimistic Nick Collins.

"Once everything is healed, the risks are minimal" said Joseph Maroon, the Pittsburgh Steelers' team neurosurgeon and clinical professor at the University of Pittsburgh.

Johnny Holland came back from the same injury, only one vertebra higher.

JSO 



It does not appear that the re-injury was due to the first injury, as it was the same exact situation with a player's body part coming straight down onto the top of his head. However I will note that it did NOT result in paraplegia.

It also sounds like Nick Collins is "upbeat." 

Originally Posted by: nerdmann