Kris Dielman’s head injury represented one of the scariest moments of the year for the 2011 Chargers. It appears, however, that it will not end his pro football career.
On October 23 in a game against the New York Jets, Dielman suffered a head injury that took place in the fourth quarter. It was later diagnosed as a concussion but he was never assessed for the injury during the game. Instead he remained on the field for the final 12 minutes of action. The Chargers claim they never saw a reason to evaluate him.
It was only on the plane ride home the concussions symptoms became more serious. On the flight back to San Diego Dielman suffered a grand mal seizure. Although he was later cleared of any long term complications, Dielman was ultimately put on injured reserve, his season lost.
It now appears though that Dielman’s career will not be over just yet.
According to Kevin Acee of the Union Tribune team sources and people close to Dielman have indicated his is leaning towards returning in 2012 to suit up for the Chargers. Should Dielman choose to retire, he would potentially free up $5.5 million in cap space but as Acee points out, that is money the Chargers “will happily pay” to keep him around.
Early in January after San Diego’s season had finished Dielman told ESPN that he’d be willing to risk his health in pursuit of a Super Bowl ring.
“I would love a ring. That’s what I’ve been playing for since I got in,” the Pro Bowler said. “That was my goal, my first year, was to make the team, then to make the practice squad, then to get on the 53 (man roster). The Super Bowl ultimately was the end one. And that’s what everybody’s fighting for.”
