‘I Am Tired, I Have Tried’: Nolan Arenado Opens Up About Quitting Football

In an emotional and candid statement, MLB star Nolan Arenado recently opened up about his decision to walk away from football. Known for his elite defensive skills and power at the plate as a third baseman for the St. Louis Cardinals, Arenado revealed that he had once seriously considered pursuing a career in football before ultimately deciding against it. His remarks reflect the emotional and physical toll that such a decision can take on an athlete, especially one who has already achieved tremendous success in another sport.

Arenado, who had an outstanding football career in high school, was a highly recruited multi-sport athlete with strong interest from college football programs. However, his passion for baseball eventually led him to focus solely on the diamond, where he went on to become one of the most decorated players in Major League Baseball. Yet, even after reaching the pinnacle of success in baseball, Arenado has always maintained a connection to his football roots.

In his recent comments, Arenado explained the internal struggle he faced during his early years in professional baseball, often wondering if he had made the right choice by not pursuing football. “I am tired, I have tried,” Arenado said, referring to the emotional battle between his love for the game of football and the desire to focus on baseball. His words speak to the mental and physical challenges that athletes often face when deciding which path to pursue, especially when they have talent in multiple sports.

Despite the temptation to return to football, Arenado emphasized that he could not continue juggling the demands of both sports. His commitment to baseball, coupled with the sacrifices needed to remain at the top of his game, ultimately made football seem like an unrealistic option. “I’ve tried to keep that dream alive, but it was becoming clear that baseball was where I truly belong,” Arenado added.

Now, with a successful MLB career that includes multiple Gold Gloves and All-Star selections, Arenado’s decision to leave football is behind him. Yet his reflection on the past serves as a reminder of the immense pressure and personal choices that athletes face when deciding which sport to dedicate their future to.

While Arenado has firmly cemented himself as a baseball icon, his openness about his football aspirations reminds fans that even the most accomplished athletes must often make difficult decisions that shape their careers. For Arenado, the choice to leave football was a necessary one, and it has clearly paid off in a remarkable baseball career.