NFL defensive ends risk injury every week to chase down quarterbacks and plug in holes to stop opposing rushers.
Rarely do they risk injury by participating in the "Running of the Bulls" in Pamplona, Spain. But that's what Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Jason Babin has decided to do in July.
Per the Philadelphia Inquirer:
"It's kind of like a rite of passage, it's a stamp. I guess in my brain I have kind of a figurative 'man card.' It's got certain punches, to be punched out," said Babin, who notched 18 sacks and made the Pro Bowl last season in his return to the team he played for much less spectacularly in 2009.
"Everyone thinks it's dangerous and hazardous," Babin said. "As you guys may or may not know, I have cows, I have bulls . Done correctly and soberly . . . I'll break it down like this: Bulls can't turn the corner on cobblestone. As long as you're on the inside, you're going to be all right. I broke the tape down like game film."
If you mess with the bull, they say, you get the horns. But if you can successfully run away from the bulls, you get a memory that should last you a lifetime --- even if acquiring that memory is riskier than the Philadelphia Eagles would probably like.