[socalstanfan1]

Good article, but like some others on here I really don't feel too sorry for him.  It does seem like he was not given such great guidance by the adults in his life.  The story of a doctor warning him not to play a game in HS due to risk of injury, and the parents searching around for another doctor who would sign off on putting their kid back on the field?  How about stepping up and sending the message that, while you love football, you need to keep things in perspective? (And this from a mom who is a professor at Gonzaga.)  How about saying, "Get a major that will be worthwhile in case football doesn't work out?"  I understand that at a certain point in time everyone has to make their own decision, so maybe the advice was given but not heeded.  And if that is the case, then this is just a very hard lesson to learn.  But, as amartin pointed out, he had a chance to hook up with the Redskins and bailed at the last moment.  Indication, perhaps, that his confidence is totally rattled (he mentioned feeling small).  Somehow, I think having almost self-delusionary self-confidence is necessary for an athlete competing at such a high level. 

Despite this, I wish him the best.  The only comparison I see with Leaf is the university they both attended.  Leaf was a first-class jerk.  Holliday just seems like a young guy whose life has taken a sudden change that has thrown him for a loop.  Life has taken such a u-turn for the young man, it would be great if he was able to put it together and make any kind of career in the NFL, even as a career backup.  Or, alternately, come to grips with a new reality, forge a fulfilling life with another career, family, stability, etc.

[socalstanfan1]

Good article, but like some others on here I really don't feel too sorry for him.  It does seem like he was not given such great guidance by the adults in his life.  The story of a doctor warning him not to play a game in HS due to risk of injury, and the parents searching around for another doctor who would sign off on putting their kid back on the field?  How about stepping up and sending the message that, while you love football, you need to keep things in perspective? (And this from a mom who is a professor at Gonzaga.)  How about saying, "Get a major that will be worthwhile in case football doesn't work out?"  I understand that at a certain point in time everyone has to make their own decision, so maybe the advice was given but not heeded.  And if that is the case, then this is just a very hard lesson to learn.  But, as amartin pointed out, he had a chance to hook up with the Redskins and bailed at the last moment.  Indication, perhaps, that his confidence is totally rattled (he mentioned feeling small).  Somehow, I think having almost self-delusionary self-confidence is necessary for an athlete competing at such a high level. 

Despite this, I wish him the best.  The only comparison I see with Leaf is the university they both attended.  Leaf was a first-class jerk.  Holliday just seems like a young guy whose life has taken a sudden change that has thrown him for a loop.  Life has taken such a u-turn for the young man, it would be great if he was able to put it together and make any kind of career in the NFL, even as a career backup.  Or, alternately, come to grips with a new reality, forge a fulfilling life with another career, family, stability, etc.