Two NFL players put health in the spotlight this week and their stories are at opposite ends of the spectrum.

San Diego Chargers’ offensive lineman Kris Dielman, who happens to have two little kids, was quoted saying he would put going for a win ahead of his own health. Later in the article he says that he would get cleared by doctors but since the Chargers didn’t make the playoffs it’s a moot point.

This is in stark contrast to Ryan Clark, free safety of the Pittsburgh Steelers’, who will sit out today’s playoff game against the Broncos due to sickle cell trait and the issues associated with playing at altitude. Clark had problems in 2007, when playing in Denver ended up costing him his spleen, gallbladder, and about 30 pounds. He hasn’t played a game in Denver since.

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