Why do players stay loyal? (1 Viewer)

[Eminence]

I've always wondered why players stay so 'loyal' to the team that drafted them? For instance, a player like Steven Jackson could have easily added MUCH to a contended during the years of his prime; yet he's STILL withering away in St. Louis. This is the kind of guy who has ELITE talent and would find plenty of teams lining up to give him the big bucks.

What's the deal? The NFL HOF (not saying SJAX is a HOF player, don't hijack my thread) doesn't force people to choose a team to be inducted.

EDIT: Or say, Adrian Wilson with the Arizona Cardinals.

 

[Couch Potato]

I dunno, what makes anyone stay loyal to anyone or anything, whether it be to a workplace, a spouse, a friend, whatever. You're talking psychology, sociology, the importance (or lack thereof) of money, etc etc etc. It's an individual thing comprised of a combo of DNA, upbringing, environment, influences. There's no single answer to your question.

 

[jasvic]

Maybe the player has built a life in the area and doesn't want to move. There are many factors outside of football.

 

[identikit]

I'm thinking it's anecdotal.

 

[The Hank]

Some people are just wired that way

 

[daveR]

I suspect it's because it's a team sport. No one can win if he doesn't buy in. "Me first" = second place.

 

[Pat Patriot]

Ok, havent seen it mentioned yet, MONEY. I dont know Steven Jackson's specific salary history but I dont recall him ever getting to free agency. It is likely that he signed his 2nd contract with a year or 2 left on his rookie contract (which as a 1st rounder would have been 5-6 years). He didnt sign out of loyalty but for safety and security. He didnt want to take a chance he would get injured before getting to free agency. I hardly think it was loyalty to team. If anything, loyalty to teammates would play a bigger role than loyalty to team.

 

[cstu]

Ok, havent seen it mentioned yet, MONEY. I dont know Steven Jackson's specific salary history but I dont recall him ever getting to free agency. It is likely that he signed his 2nd contract with a year or 2 left on his rookie contract (which as a 1st rounder would have been 5-6 years). He didnt sign out of loyalty but for safety and security. He didnt want to take a chance he would get injured before getting to free agency. I hardly think it was loyalty to team. If anything, loyalty to teammates would play a bigger role than loyalty to team.