NFL Coaching and Health

As we approach the holiday season and to football fans, the playoffs, we have recently been made aware of two unrelated incidents that happened to NFL coaches. During the bye week for Denver, Coach John Fox had heart pains while playing golf in South Carolina. It was something that he and his doctor were aware of, but were hoping they could postpone until the end of the season. As with many physical problems, we don't always have that choice. During his golf game, Coach Fox had to go to the hospital and undergo heart valve surgery. 

The fact that it happened during the middle of a potential Denver Broncos playoff run is significant. Even though it didn't happen during his work as the coach of the Broncos, it still raised some concerns regarding the stress that NFL coaching has on the coaches. To add to that concern, Coach Gary Kubiak of the Houston Texans collapsed right before halftime of an NFL game the very next night. While that was eventually diagnosed as a mini stroke, it heightened the discussion of the stress that NFL coaching has. 

John Fox

NFL coaches typically work 100 or more hours a week. Many of them arrive at the facility by 4 a.m. and don't leave until after 11 p.m. While it is not a required schedule, they all do it in order to keep up with the other coaches. There are only 32 of them in this elite club. Granted, they are compensated very well for their jobs, but at what total cost? 

Stress is a huge health hazard for everyone. But, most of us do not work 100+ hours a week. The other effect was that each of these coaches missed time away from their teams. During the short time that is the NFL season, even a few days away from their teams can have a detrimental effect.





Gary Kubiak

While I don't see the schedule of NFL coaching changing, I hope that at least brings more attention to the fact that they need to pay more attention to exercise, rest and medical signs just like we all need to do.

Gary Kubiak collapsing

Just as I don't see coaches changing their regimen, I doubt we will all change our viewing habits. Hopefully, we can all take the hint that we all need to take better care of ourselves.

GO BRONCOS!!!