T.J. Ford Retires: Peyton Manning Should Take Heed

First Brandon Roy, and now, T.J. Ford.

Ford, a 28-year-old guard for the San Antonio Spurs, announced his retirement from the NBA today after suffering another injury to his spine in what has been a career that has been full of them.

Of course, Roy left the game due to balky knees, but the fact that two players with great talent were forced into retirement before the age of 30 (in the same season, no less) is sad beyond words.

You have to wonder what kind of player Ford would have been if it weren't for the injuries. We are not talking about a run-of-the-mill player here; we are talking about a player who won the Naismith College Player of the Year and John Wooden awards during his sophomore season at Texas.

Ford had potential. Unfortunately, injuries to the spine and neck derailed him, and now, he's making the intelligent decision to call it quits.

While this is certainly a gloomy story, you have to have gained some respect for Ford for making this choice, as many other athletes would not have been so wise. Why put your life on the line? I am sure Ford loves the game of basketball as much as anyone, but to him, his own well-being is more important, and he should be commended for not attempting to hang around.

Many other athletes would not be as smart as Ford. A relevant and current example? Peyton Manning.

Manning has undergone four neck surgeries over the course of the past year, and yet, at the age of 36, he wants to continue to play.

Don't get me wrong. I completely understand the competitive nature of professional athletes and how they do not want anything to get in the way of that, but isn't keeping your life out of jeopardy more important?

For Manning, a Super Bowl winner and four-time MVP, there's not much left to accomplish, unless he wants to equal or surpass little brother Eli in Super Bowl victories.

Unlike Ford, Manning is not playing basketball; he's playing football, where quarterbacks are a target for opposing teams night-in-and-night-out. Just ask Gregg Williams.

The former Indianapolis Colts' superstar is now one awkward hit away from paralysis, but that doesn't seem to be in his mind. Or, maybe it is in his mind, but his love for football outweighs that. Again, I understand, but in the grand scheme of things, it is just not smart.

Like I said; I'm sure this decision is killing Ford inside. He's not even 30 years old yet, after all, and had he been healthy, he would have had a decade of basketball left in his body. Unfortunately, that isn't the case, and he realized that remaining in one piece for yourself and for your family should take precedence over doing what you love.

If only Peyton could realize this.

Instead of debating to go to Denver or Miami or possibly even Tennessee, Manning should be thinking about another job to take up now (and I'm sure the Colts' organization would welcome him with open arms) because football should no longer be an option.

That is another thing. Ford does not have the luxury of knowing he will easily be able to find another job to occupy himself. Manning? He will have plenty of options. If he doesn't want a spot somewhere in Indianapolis' front office, then I'm sure a network like CBS or FOX would absolutely love to have him on board as an NFL analyst.

Somewhere, Peyton will find something to do. That will be much tougher for Ford, and yet, he still retired.

I wish Manning nothing but the best, but I'm simply afraid for his own well-being.

People won't have to worry about Ford anymore.

You made the right move, T.J. Bravo.