Former Eagles OL Halapoulivaati Vaitai Flirted With Retirement
In a matter of weeks, former Philadelphia Eagles offensive lineman Halapoulivaati Vaitai will be turning 30, which can be seen as a significant milestone in the NFL. This age often serves as a dividing line, as teams in the league generally prioritize younger players and seek to maintain a youthful roster.
When the current Detroit Lions offensive lineman suffered a back injury last preseason that resulted in season-ending surgery, Vaitai approached the situation as if it provided him with a glimpse of retirement, almost like a trial run.
"Instead of just having my head down, I took that time to spend time with my kids, my family," Vaitai said via SB Nation's Pride of Detriot. "Just to see what retirement would feel like."
During his recovery period, Vaitai had the opportunity to engage in various activities that allowed him to prioritize family and personal interests. He got the opportunity to play catch with his son and attend his tee ball games. Additionally, Vaitai dedicated time to his ranch, where he tended to a collection of 20 livestock, including cows and donkeys, nurturing his newfound passion for ranching. The injury also allowed him to spend valuable time with his wife, strengthening their bond.
Although Vaitai thoroughly enjoyed the activities he engaged in during his recovery, as his body started to heal, the allure of football became irresistible. Vaitai expressed his deep connection to the sport.
"The only thing I know is football," he said.
Nevertheless, he acknowledged that the break provided him with a valuable opportunity for self-reflection on his life and career in the league, leaving him with a positive perspective on the experience.
"But it was great. I got to reflect on my life and my career in the league," he said. "So it was really good."
Vaitai expressed his commitment to the Lions and their pursuit of reaching the playoffs, with the ultimate goal of helping head coach Dan Campbell secure his first Super Bowl victory. Vaitai stated, "I can't leave all my guys. I can't leave them. I love this team a lot. I'm going to help [coach] Dan [Campbell] win one."
The Lions have not reached the playoffs since 2016, making their current quest all the more significant.
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