I haven't kept close track of the NFL since for the past 4-5 years, but I was surprised a few years ago to notice that Robert Smith of the Vikings had retired. He gained 5.2 years per carry his last year. So what happened? I guessed he did the math, at 28 he was already past his prime as a running back, and he would probably face a precipitous drop off in productivity. Ask Eddie George what it's like to be a great post-30 year old running back. But Smith was still at his peak, it didn't make sense. Well, here is a story about Smith and his new book. Snips below:

...Smith uses it as a soap box -- pleading for a lessened importance placed by Americans on sports and athletes.

...``I had never been a big fan of football, and to have to spend all that time preparing to play a game really started to wear on me. It was like being caught in a remedial math class each week.''