Poll: 61 percent of ex-players asked found post-NFL transition difficult

A survey of 763 former pro football players found that 61 percent of players found transitioning to daily life after the NFL difficult.

A survey of 763 former pro football players conducted by Newsday in conjunction with the National Football League Players Association found that 61 percent of players found transitioning to daily life after the NFL difficult. 

42 percent of the players said the biggest challenge in their post-NFL life has been injuries from their playing career, while 41 percent said the biggest challenge was career direction.

85 percent of the players said they don't feel the NFL "adequately prepared them for the transition to life after football," however, 89 percent said they would play football again despite the difficulties caused by their career. 

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Last November, Pro Football Hall of Fame linebacker Harry Carson said he would not have played football if he knew the danger of the sport that he does now. 

In August 2013, the NFL and players reached a $765 million settlement in all lawsuits over allegations that the league did not warn ex-players of the dangers of concussions despite prior knowledge of the harm that could come from head injuries. Players could choose to opt-in or opt-out of the settlement by Oct. 14, 2014.

Of the former players surveyed, 371 said they have head ailments that they believe are related to their NFL playing days. 532 players said they have knee ailments they believe are related, and 509 said the same about lower back ailments. 

On Thursday, former Detroit Lions running back Barry Sanders told SI Now that he believes the NFL is now doing a "great job" with concussion awareness.

- Molly Geary