Knowing when to retire is one of the most difficult decisions professional athletes face. In many cases, they are told they are no longer good enough, and the decision is made for them.

But, when an athlete is in the prime of his career and feels healthy, one of the few reasons to consider retirement is the long-term effects of concussions. Pro football players who have sustained multiple concussions are faced with that dilemma more and more as medical research uncovers the damage concussions can cause to brain tissue.

The concussion issue was front and center in the NFL again last week after Denver Broncos star receiver Wes Welker sustained his third concussion in the past 10 months. All signs point to Welker returning to the game when he is cleared by doctors.

A lesser-known player for the Steelers dealt with a similar decision earlier this month. Receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey sustained his fifth documented concussion in a training camp practice at Saint Vincent College and had to sit out more than a week. During that time, he contemplated retirement............


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