Chris Chester isn't a household name in the NFL world but he has been a strong offensive lineman since entering the league out of Oklahoma in 2006. While he was a member of the Atlanta Falcons that now infamously imploded in the Super Bowl against the New England Patriots, Chester will be remembered around the league as a very solid player that did enough to stay employed for more than a decade.
However, Chester is choosing to retire from the game and he shared his reasoning with ESPN's Vaughn McClure.
"I don't know if the decision itself was that difficult. More than anything, it was me coming to terms with moving on with the next chapter of my life, which I'm glad to do. Change can always be difficult, at times.
"I feel confident that I could play one or two more years. I obviously don't feel like I'm 22 years old, either. But more so than anything, I wanted to take advantage of this opportunity to spend time with my family. My wife, my kids, they make sacrifices during the season, too. It's really appreciated that they do. But I want to be able to be there with them."
This type of family-first message is inspiring on a number of levels. First and foremost, Chester is a player that almost certainly could have stayed in the NFL for another season or two, if only as a fringe starter or backup, in an effort to maximize his earnings. However, the sentiment of missing out on things with his family is a touching one and Chester should be commended for it.
The Falcons need a new offensive guard but Chester is walking away for the right reasons.
