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claymore
03-24-2008, 06:36 AM
With clear head, Broncos' Hamilton is back at work
Guard claims his post-concussion problems are over
By Lee Rasizer, Rocky Mountain News
Sunday, March 23, 2008

Ben Hamilton is returning to the Broncos after being cleared by a team of specialists. It's time for the Broncos to get back to work, with the opening of the strength and conditioning program today.

But a huge weight has been lifted for at least one player.

Guard Ben Hamilton, who missed last season because of post-concussion symptoms, has been given full clearance to participate.

Hamilton vigorously has been working out at Dove Valley with the blessing of University of Pittsburgh specialists, whom he has visited on a couple of occasions in recent months with his wife, Jeanne.

"I've passed every test they've given me," Hamilton said Sunday. "And just to talk to the specialists and be cleared by them, I know I'm good to go."

Hamilton has had no post-concussion symptoms in more than five months.

At his worst, dating to August and September, Hamilton experienced severe mood swings and general haziness. His cognitive function essentially was fine, but the emotional component was what became problematic.

Hamilton knows there are skeptics who believe he's one blow to the helmet from another potential problem.

Such thoughts aren't part of his current mind-set, though.

"I know that's the perception around me, but I know that's not the case talking to the doctors," Hamilton said. "I don't have any hesitation or reservations playing this year. And I know that I'll gain people's trust as I go through practices and games. I can't wait to prove myself."

Hamilton started 84 straight games, mostly at left guard, dating to 2002 before he was placed on injured reserve Sept. 29.
http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2008/mar/23/broncos-hamilton-cleared-workout-program/


Well this is good news.

TXBRONC
03-24-2008, 08:24 AM
No kidding this good news. I look forward to having Ben back on the offensive line.

Fan in Exile
03-24-2008, 08:28 AM
I hope this puts an end to all the armchair doctors freaking out about Hamilton only being one hit away from the end of his career.

Certainly something could happen but it doesn't seem like he's at anymore of a risk than anyone else.

DenBronx
03-24-2008, 08:46 AM
well i hope this is correct. hamilton when healthy can play among the best. we sure do need him next year with a thin line.

TXBRONC
03-24-2008, 08:51 AM
well i hope this is correct. Hamilton when healthy can play among the best. we sure do need him next year with a thin line.

Before his injury he was considered one of the technically sound offensive linemen in the game.

threefolddead
03-24-2008, 08:59 AM
He had emotional problems and didn't even punch a TV. Hopefully they don't test Marsh

pnbronco
03-24-2008, 09:00 AM
Before his injury he was considered one of the technically sound offensive linemen in the game.

Plus he is really a great guy and it's seems like he is not ready to retire. I would feel so much better knowing that both he and Nalen and on that line.

NightTrainLayne
03-24-2008, 09:08 AM
I'm glad he's coming back, but I'm even happier for his family's sake that he isn't having any sypmtoms anymore. They sent his kids to live with the Grandparents for a while due to this.

Bronco9798
03-24-2008, 09:15 AM
That's good news!! Hopefully we can keep everybody healthy on the O line this year.

BeefStew25
03-24-2008, 09:18 AM
Which one is he? Is he next to the guy that hikes the ball, or is he on the outside of the guys that line up with one hand on the ground?

G_Money
03-24-2008, 10:12 AM
As soon as Nalen's arms fall off, he'll be the one getting the reach-through from the QB.

Glad to hear they think he'll be fine, for his sake and ours.

But I'm gonna be crossing my fingers all year anyway, thankyouverymuch. We simply don't understand enough about concussions to predict specific risk. SO here's hoping there are no more serious ones for Ben.

~G

GEM
03-24-2008, 10:50 AM
As soon as Nalen's arms fall off, he'll be the one getting the reach-through from the QB.

Glad to hear they think he'll be fine, for his sake and ours.

But I'm gonna be crossing my fingers all year anyway, thankyouverymuch. We simply don't understand enough about concussions to predict specific risk. SO here's hoping there are no more serious ones for Ben.

~G

Well, we've seen what enough of the lasting effects of concussions (Ali, the Cleveland player inducted in the HOF, etc.). In all likelihood, Ben is ok to play, but at the end of his career is when he is really going to pay for concussions.

And sadly, that is when these players are all but forgotten. Sad part of the NFL.

sanluis
03-24-2008, 12:38 PM
This will help your line. Ben is a solid player and I am glad his symptoms have gone away for the last five months.

I never want someone to leave the game early due to injury.


(Even a Bronco! :D )

Benetto
03-24-2008, 02:16 PM
Its all about the Benjamins baby.

dogfish
03-24-2008, 02:56 PM
i certainly wish him the best of luck, but IMO it's a foolish decision. . . hopefully it works out for the best!

Retired_Member_001
03-24-2008, 05:01 PM
I hope this puts an end to all the armchair doctors freaking out about Hamilton only being one hit away from the end of his career.

Certainly something could happen but it doesn't seem like he's at anymore of a risk than anyone else.

The thing is he really could be one hit away from the end of his career. I'm not doctor but I know enough about human biology and the human head to understand that the Human head is EXTREMELY hard to understand when it comes to concussions.

I mean I remember a while after he had the concussion there was news he was extremely dizzy whilst running on a treadmill at a slow pace.

I hope for the best but I reckon we should count Hamilton as 50/50 right now. Once he gets into training camp is when we really have some idea.

Fan in Exile
03-24-2008, 06:40 PM
The thing is he really could be one hit away from the end of his career. I'm not doctor but I know enough about human biology and the human head to understand that the Human head is EXTREMELY hard to understand when it comes to concussions.

I mean I remember a while after he had the concussion there was news he was extremely dizzy whilst running on a treadmill at a slow pace.

I hope for the best but I reckon we should count Hamilton as 50/50 right now. Once he gets into training camp is when we really have some idea.

Some people are just never going to feel better.