CBS Sports shared a compelling story about an NFL player who's stepping away from football to pursue a new career as a firefighter. The article highlights the journey of Tom Zbikowski, a former safety who recently retired after five inconsistent seasons in the league. His NFL career came to an abrupt end in August when he was released by the Chicago Bears.
Zbikowski, a standout at Notre Dame, admitted to the Chicago Tribune’s David Haugh that he had lost passion for the game. “No, not really,†he said. “It hasn’t been for a while. Football got old to me. I enjoyed my first two years because it was a challenge, but after a while, you don’t care if you win or lose because you’re still getting a paycheck. I enjoyed high school and college much more.â€
He spent his first four seasons with the Baltimore Ravens before moving to the Indianapolis Colts in 2012. That one season turned out to be the most difficult for him, both professionally and personally. To cope, he started drinking heavily, which eventually led to some troubling habits.
“I’m the only guy who can drink six beers and then spar 10 rounds on the same day,†he joked, highlighting his background as a skilled boxer. But the drinking didn’t stop there. He even drank the night before games, treating it like a superstition. According to Haugh, his ideal pre-game cocktail was “four glasses of scotch and four Guinnesses.†Out of the 64 games he played, he estimated that at least 12 were under the influence of a hangover.
“Get a little messed up, sneak a girl into your room, feel on top of the world,†he said. “I had some of my best games off of benders — and some of my worst too. My two best seasons ever were 2005 (at Notre Dame) and 2009 (in Baltimore), when I was the most out of control drinking, so I thought, hey, maybe I should go back to that.â€
Unfortunately, his drinking habit led to weight gain. To lose weight, he took what he called a “water pill,†which was actually banned by the NFL. He ended up being suspended for four games, which likely contributed to the Bears’ decision to let him go.
Now, Zbikowski says he no longer drinks heavily or relies on painkillers. He’s preparing to start training at the Chicago Fire Department academy next month. “I’ve had an extremely blessed life, and I saved three-quarters of my money, so I can do whatever I want. I want to be of service to a community,†he said. As a third-generation firefighter, he sees the role as something meaningful. “Firemen show up in scary situations. They’re symbols of pride, of faith, of what’s good in society. I like to live dangerously.â€
Thanks Dan
Nitinol Wire,Medical Nitinol Wire,Astm Nitinol Wire,Surgical Nitinol Wire
TMT INDUSTRY , https://www.tmtmedtech.com