After the Rogan/Schaub discussion it got me thinking...
What if you had to make the choice between becoming a prime-time UFC champion, that has to cope with mental difficulties in later life, Vs. staying healthy - living a longer life - but never managing to achieve your dream(s).
I can see both sides of the argument. Joe wants his buddy to stay fit and not take too much damage, but I think there's a strong case for living your dreams and making the most of 'the now'.
Fighting is a strange profession in the respect that you have to take damage to do what you love, but perhaps that's the key...
I've often wondered about Ali. Would he trade his health for everything he's achieved? I see those later Ali interviews - especially Michael Parkinson in 1981 - and it's hard to watch where he's heading. But at the same time, when I look at the legacy he's left behind: look at the platform he was given through boxing: the impact he's had on other people's lives... I can't imagine him doing anything else.
I guess in some cases, the reward is worth the risk.
Every athlete that participates in contact sports or high impact activites knows there is a risk of brain damage. 
stevekt - Every athlete that participates in contact sports or high impact activites knows there is a risk of brain damage.I don't know.. Do you think Junior Seau thought he would be so depressed from head trauma? I don't think some guys realized the full extent of concussions.
Looney Ronulan Paultard -I don't think Junior knew what would happen to him and I agree that many do not know the full extent of long term damage from concussive blows but I truly believe that all high impact athletes know that the risk is there but many feel it won't happen to them.stevekt - Every athlete that participates in contact sports or high impact activites knows there is a risk of brain damage.I don't know.. Do you think Junior Seau thought he would be so depressed from head trauma? I don't think some guys realized the full extent of concussions.
BirdWatcher -Good point re: GSP.
The smart ones like GSP usually get criticized to no end when they find a way to accomplish the title of best in the world and do it with taking minimal damage. So many including myself love fights like Bigfoot vs Hunt and many other fights like it but like your question at what cost? I think this subject comes up on the Enson JRE IIRC.
Personally I've always respected the style of fighters like GSP and Machida. Sure, it's probably not what the UFC want to see, but It's a sensible approach.
I was also a big fan of Fitch (when everyone else was giving him shit) for his ability to dominate his opponents.
I would rather live 1 year as a lion than 100 years as a sheep.
The answer is this:
For the human race it's worth the risk
For your family and friends, its not.
FitchIsExciting - I would rather live 1 year as a lion than 100 years as a sheep.For fighters it may end up being 1 year as a lion + 99 years as a sloth vs 100 years as a sheep.
Ask the NFL players that can't play with their kids how they feel.
Now - one perspective
After - entirely another
It's not a cut choice between mssing out and being miserable or, competing and feeling glory forever. Most fall into the gray area. It's not like asking about being a succesful musician or a regular schlub, there's nowhere near the same health risks unless you choose to engage in the dangerous behaviour, in sport your job IS the dangerous behaviour.
The key is to quit when you lose a step. In almost all cases of fighters with noticeable cognitive impairment (punch drunk, slurring speech, etc.) <<THEY TOOK ASS WHOOPINGS WHEN THEY WERE PAST THEIR PRIMES>>
Interesting question.
I'd choose my health. That's me.
But Schaub might not be the best example (I understand the usage given the latest controversy with Joe) given his lengthy football career. He chose head trauma in middle school. Any serious football player makes that decision (the sacrifice of ones body) has to.
Voted up.
CaptainAhab - The key is to quit when you lose a step. In almost all cases of fighters with noticeable cognitive impairment (punch drunk, slurring speech, etc.) <>
The problem is perspective at those steps and what kind of life you have setup at that point. If you're making yacht payments and have two ex-wives you think differently on earnings and pushing past the "Smart" point than if you have a huge nest egg or own an Island like Jeter. Middle range players or players that were never given sound investment advice tend to spend to the level of earnings, which will make anyone choose to squeeze the lemon as long as possible.
Jeter could keep playing, but he is unmarried, has more money than perhaps any other baseball player because of his investments and way he kept it away from any wives etc, and now that he is declining he is quiting. But he could still DH or play platoon bench if he wanted to.