Puff Puff Passing on the NFL - David Irving's Early Retirement

*Dallas Cowboys defensive tackle David Irving (AP Photo)*

Puff Puff Passing on the NFL

David Irving’s Early Retirement

Dallas Cowboys David Irving is passing on the NFL.

The Cowboy’s defensive lineman announced his retirement Thursday in an effort to bring attention to the NFL’s drug policy. Irving was recently suspended indefinitely for violating the NFL’s policy on marijuana. This was not his first time, but obviously will be his last.

"Basically guys, I quit," Irving said. "They wanna talk about a suspension and all this other nonsense. I'm outta there. I'm not doing this shit no more." Irving’s point was heard loud and clear as he puffed on a joint in his live video.

Irving has been injured several times in the past, including a car accident in 2017. He feels he should be able to manage his pain naturally with marijuana, where the league feels pushing pills is the way to go. There have been numerous reports and interviews with retired players ridiculing the NFL for pushing all sorts of Opioids. Sleeping pills, pain meds, and anxiety meds, are all just a prescription away.

“Earl Campbell, a former All-Pro running back in the NFL, said the first painkillers he took came in a small brown packet that a trainer gave him on the team plane,” The New York Times reports. Others talked about bowls of over-the-counter painkillers in locker rooms and taking a “handful” of Percocet.

Many players are standing up against the NFL saying they are forcing players down the dark road of the Opioid Crisis. We commend players like Irving and Campbell for speaking out. As players become bigger and stronger the meds being forced on them are as well. Many retired players face depression and addiction after their time in the spotlight.

Irving has not lost his passion for the game, "I love football ... I mean, shit, it shaped me. I wouldn't be here without it. However, I don't love the NFL. The NFL is not football." When asked about his future, Irving says he has "big plans in the making" in the next few months ... could it be weed related?