Conrad Dobler: 32 Surgeries!
Conrad Dobler just posted on his Facebook page that he was going into his 32nd knee surgery. 32 surgeries! After weeks of infections from his latest knee replacement (including a MRSA infection), Conrad’s facing a possible amputation or a freeze, where they literally lock his leg straight so it can no longer move at the knee. Even through all of this, Conrad hasn’t lost that edgy sense of humor: “Today I am having my 32nd knee surgery they are going to try to save my leg & put my knee back in BUT they are not sure it will work. Only other option other than amputate is to freeze it. It would be permanently straight & 6 inches shorter. I got rid of all my platform shoes in the 70′s & my tailor will be pi**ed so that’s not an option. Will keep you posted. Don’t forget to order my book!”
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Our thoughts and best wishes are with you during this crazy time, Conrad. We expect to see you running around again at next year’s Summit, buddy!
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Stories like Conrad’s make you think of how things could be instead of how they are. Imagine having a Union that truly cared about their retired players? How much would it take to have someone just show up at this guy’s hospital bedside to wish him well and then tell him, “We understand you’ve been going through a difficult time with all of this and we’re here to help. We don’t need to do a lot of paperwork, Mr. Dobler. We just need to know where to send the check.” I mean, just how hard would it be for one – JUST ONE – of these 6- and 7-figure big shots to do something like that?
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And as Conrad mentioned in his comment, check out his new tell-all book – Pride and Perseverance – and buy a couple of copies for your friends. (Click HERE.) If you order from his site, a part of the proceeds will go to Spinal Cord Research.
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John Hogan
December 17th, 2009 at 11:56 am #
Conrad -
God bless. We are all pulling for you. You and Dave are two of the very best examples of the needed reform in the NFL disability system! You both gave your all on the football field to help make the game that millions enjoy today, and an enterprise that has enriched many owners and today’s players. Thank you.
John Hogan
Retired Player Advocate
Dave Pear’s Disability Attorney
Irv Cross
December 17th, 2009 at 12:53 pm #
Conrad:
You are as tough as they come! I moved you to the top of my prayer list. We’re all pulling for you.
Irv Cross
1961 – 1969
Philadelphia Eagles & LA Rams
Patrick Scoggin
December 17th, 2009 at 4:23 pm #
Our thoughts and prayers are with you for a speedy and complete recovery!
pws
Bob Grant
December 18th, 2009 at 12:19 am #
You are a good man and obviously a winner, Conrad. You and your family have been through more than you should ever have had to endure.
I support Plans like the 88 Plan but I believe that we must fight now for Plans that will be there for Brothers like you who are experiencing life-changing medical situations as well.
Your “Colored” buddy,
Bob Grant and Katherine Grant
Ken Burrow
December 18th, 2009 at 7:20 am #
CD,
You’re amazing to be able to deal with another surgery let alone your 32nd…
This should never happen – so much needs to be done.
I pray that this will be a successful operation so you never have to have number 33. (Course you always wanted to be a running back!)
Ken Burrow
Atlanta Falcons
1971 – 1976
Dave Pear
December 18th, 2009 at 12:45 pm #
Conrad,
You’re an amazing person! Thank you for your courage that you continue to show ALL of us.
I certainly hope that you have a successful surgery.
What has happened to you and your family is grossly wrong and illegal.
The disability plan for the NFL violates their own plan document and the Bell/Rozelle Retirement Board “breaches their fiduciary duty” to the retired player and their beneficiaries.
The “Duty of Care” at section 8.8 of the plan document is a gross violation along with section 5.2 where they allow physicians (NFL doctors) to make employment decisions.
The plan is failing in their fiduciary duty to act with skill, care, and prudence and diligence they are required to exercise.
NOTE: Congressman John Conyers Jr., chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, on Thursday called another hearing regarding brain injuries in football. It is scheduled to be held Jan. 4 in Detroit.
It sure would be nice if ALL the witnesses were under oath when answering questions (especially the NFL doctors).
Rep. Maxine Waters said it best at the last hearing in Washington DC on 10/28/09 when she told Commissioner Roger Goodell, “It is time to remove the anti trust exemption.”
Hang in there, Conrad -we’re ALL pulling for you! I’m ordering a copy of your book!
Sincerely,
Dave & Heidi Pear
Matt Sappington
December 18th, 2009 at 12:49 pm #
Best wishes to you, Conrad. I was brought to this site through the Pearlman article on SI.com. I hope all of you vets get what you deserve: proper compensation and every medical treatment that is required with no questions asked. It’s the least of what should be done. Best of luck to all of you!
Matt Sappington
Mike Pyle
December 18th, 2009 at 1:14 pm #
Conrad…
You deserve better. Good luck on the 32nd surgery and I hope Santa brings you another Titanium knee.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Mike Pyle
NFLPA President, 1967
Larry Kaminski
December 18th, 2009 at 1:40 pm #
Conrad:
I’m sitting in a nursing home recovering from my first knee joint replacement of last week. You are one tough old goat, my cowboy friend. This ache is more than I care to have right now and the thought of 32 is tough to imagine.
I’ll buy that book for the Steamboat Springs grandkids so you can sign a few.
Have a great Christmas season and hopefully your strength will be the fulcrum we’ll use to get past this injury situation of the NFL.
Best to you,
Larry Kaminski
Denver Broncos
1966 – 1973
Dr. Boyce Watkins
December 18th, 2009 at 7:11 pm #
Hey Dave,
I saw your article in CNNSI today. Congrats, buddy. I am going to write a piece on AOL Black Voices to speak to African American athletes and those interested in playing pro sports about the fabulous work you’re doing. I empathize with your plight and I’ve seen the devastation of professional sports up close.
Be well my friend,
Boyce Watkins
Conrad Dobler
December 19th, 2009 at 8:49 am #
Dave -
Thanks for all the kind and true facts about Bernie. He’s the real man behind our cause. Without him we wouldn’t have gotten this far. I appreciate you keeping everyone informed and letting everyone know the real man behind our cause.
Thanks for keeping me informed and motivated – I’m able to advance your cause with my book tour. I did a radio show in St. Louis Wednesday with a recently retired player and he asked what he could expect now that he’s retired. I told him to stay in shape and expect no help from the Union.
Thanks for all your help. Merry Christmas to you and yours.
Conrad Dobler
St. Louis Cardinals, New Orleans Saints, Buffalo Bills
1972 – 1981
P.S. – I still have my leg but will only get 30 percent bend and it’s the last one they can do. The next one, I will lose the leg.
Sent on the Sprint® Now Network from my BlackBerry®
Marilyn Muckerman
December 19th, 2009 at 12:05 pm #
Conrad and Dave,
As a medical social worker x 20+ years, I have worked with a number of orthopedic surgeons in the St. Louis area and am familiar with your legacy among the NFL sports fans of my era.
Reading your blog has truly pulled at my heartstrings. I hope you guys can find a way to enlighten some of our aspiring young High School players as well. Not to dampen their spirits per se, but rather to give them the additional guidance that would have potentially optimized your own outcomes, had you known then what you know now.
Thank you for having the humility to share your personal challenges as you go on the face them down with the dignity and grace as two of the game of football’s most inspirational heroes.
Sincerely,
Marilyn Muckerman MSW, LCSW
Roger Brown
January 5th, 2010 at 2:14 pm #
Conrad,
We played at the same time of the century. I was a member or the original Fearsome Foursome with the Detroit Lions and the LA Rams. I can give you one of my knees – I wish you the best.
Holy Cow – 32!
Take Care,
Roger Brown