Miami Dolphins cornerback Byron Jones recently announced his retirement from the NFL ahead of the 2023 NFL combine. He also made a controversial statement in the process.
He stated that the league's medical procedures had caused him to lose his athleticism and that it was better to retire from the sport than to become disabled. Following Jones' retirement, Emmanuel Acho unleashed a rant on his TikTok account.
Here's what Emmanuel Acho said about the NFL’s medical procedures:
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“I remember there was a pill we called the pink pill. While I was playing the pink pill, I don't even know what kind of drug it was but essentially, it would like completely numb your pain. Now, later on, I heard it was maybe the combination of 10 ibuprofens or 10 Advils in one pill that was a pink pill.
"The injections he's talking about, usually the toradol shot, we all have heard about that. I have played to a torn groin with a torn off side and torn MCL with a toradol shot... But I remember when I heard I broke my thumb. I was playing for the Philadelphia Eagles at the time. I went to the training staff and said 'Hey, I heard a pop.'
"They said you'll probably get scar tissue. I instantly said take me to a trainer.... So when I broke my thumb and said I heard a pop and they said it's probably scar tissue. I said no, no, no, no, let me go get an MRI immediately, it turned out my thumb was broken. I never played another down in the National Football League.”
Emmanuel Acho also stated that a former Philadelphia Eagles superstar told him that the medical staff frequently lies about the severity of injuries. This causes players long-term problems.
Byron Jones is not the only player who believes his life is in jeopardy owing to the medical treatment provided by the NFL. Many other players have had similar experiences and may come forward sooner or later to admit it.
Byron Jones: A look back at his career
Byron Jones was selected in the first round of the 2015 NFL draft by the Dallas Cowboys after impressing many with his athleticism at the combine. He went on to play five seasons with the Cowboys before moving to the Miami Dolphins to finish off his career.
Over the course of his career, Jones had 345 solo tackles, 99 assists, and four interceptions. He had one Pro Bowl appearance to his name as well.
Jones didn't play a single game this past season due to injuries and he ultimately ended up retiring to avoid causing more harm to his body.
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