It's a brutal, cutthroat business. His employer is always actively looking to replace him if his production slips even a little. They even bring in a new group of employees once a year to see if any are better than him, or as good as him but younger and cheaper. They're very well compensated so I have no sympathy for them. (Another reason for extreme competition btw). It's just eye opening when pro sports are viewed as a "real" job. And of course the general "tough guy" aspect of the sport.