I Can See Clearly Now?

In the last 21 months, Dave Dickenson has had his bell rung so often you'd think Quasimodo was lining up against him on a nightly basis. And after this latest concussion in Saskatchewan, the question must be asked: Should Dickenson retire?

This isn't a Buck Pierce campaign. In fact, the question is posed out of respect for Dickenson, as he is far more than a quarterback, a football player or a professional athlete. He is an extremely cerebral individual who could take on a variety of careers upon retirement. He is a husband. He is a father.

But only Dickenson knows just how foggy his CFL future is. Sure there are tests that will be performed to evaluate just how long the road to recovery will be, but only DD can truly gauge how efficiently his mind is functioning. And after talking to Hall of Famer Matt Dunigan, who was forced to retire after countless concussions, the only thing that is clear about head injuries is that honesty has to be the best policy. There is simply too much at stake to play the tough-guy role in trying to get back on the field at all costs. In fact, Dunigan finally told his doctor in Hamilton to treat him the way he would treat his own son when it came to advising the strong-willed pivot about getting back under centre. And though he did hang 'em up at that point, he still suffers the effects of a career filled with head-shots.

But after talking with Dickenson on Monday, I don't believe he should call it quits just yet. He is one of the smartest players I've ever met on and off the field, and he understands what is at stake if he puts on that jersey again. That said, I believe Dickenson should talk to his family and decide when enough is enough. If he suffers another noggin-knocker this season, he should call it quits. Life is way to short to forget about while you're still living.