Football in the NFL is a physically demanding occupation. The average career is a little over 3 years in duration. The average life expectancy of a player with more than 10 years in the game is under 60. It is virtually impossible to play at a high level without the use of painkillers and pain suppressors (the needle). Anyone who claims otherwise is a liar. My own experience as a university football player exposed me not only to painkillers and the freezing needle, but also to barbiturates, amphetemines and other stimulants designed to elevate levels of performance. Not to mention the wide use of vitamin "S".  Our coaches turned a blind eye to it all. In professional football, where profit is involved I have NO DOUBT that training staffs, coaches and ownership were well aware and perhaps even involved on a supply level. The NFL needs to wake up and pay up.