By Gary Shelton, St. Petersburg Times Sports Columnist
The Bucs’ first MVP, Dave Pear, with wife Heidi, continues fighting the NFL to get help for retired players. In constant pain, Pear has had eight surgeries. (Seattle Times)
“Your body is the only thing you really own in your lifetime. You can go out and buy another car or another house. You can’t get another body.”
Dave Pear, 1976
The pain will begin early, the way it always does.
It will awaken in his neck, a sharp, stabbing reminder of a fused spine. From there it will reach into his lower back, past the four artificial screws, and become a twisted, torturous ache. By the time it runs down his right side, past the hip that needs replacing, it will feel like a runaway stream of fire.
Dave Pear will pull himself out of his shallow sleep, the way he has done for countless mornings. He will hobble across his house with the shuffle of a gladiator who has outlived the cheers. He will drink his coffee, he will take his pills, and he will read his Bible.
Later, the man with the broken body will gather himself up once more and prepare to take on the might of the NFL. Again.
Perhaps, as you give a little thanks today, as you watch a little football, you could spare a thought for Pear and the others who believe the NFL has abandoned them. READ MORE
