I was flattered of course. But I realized just, that I probably wouldn't last long in the team. I speak now with no ties to any sports team, and hence have no bonds with people who have any expectation of me, as well as the absence of the possibility of emotional blackmail.
For a team-member who gets injured, tries to recover as soon as possible (often not to 100% training-fit) in order to continue training, it might be passion (a pretty scary word) or commitment at work. Urging to get back into the game is a common feeling among such people. I see people around me, pushing themselves to be fit for their team, often trying to exceed their limits.
Sure, in sports, as presented by Nike, and Adidas, limits are meant to be broken. But training with a half-healed ankle sprain isn't the way to go, even if you can somehow prevent the sprain from getting worse. Having a team culture of training while nursing a minor injury does not help either.
I abhor such practices. When faced with such emotional blackmail, I have the urge to give the collective passion (foolishness really) the finger, and turn my back on the team that practices it. With a negative take on sports teams, I don't see myself joining one anywhere on a semi-professional level.
"Don't base your decision on the advice of people who don't have to deal with the consequences."
When faced with an injury, team-mates may volunteer their company, call on you bearing gifts, care for you for a few days. What team-mates do not and will not do, is to dedicate the rest of their lives to make up for the discomfort and inconvenience of living with the injury should it be chronic or recurring. They will not be faced with the constant pain, the inconvenience of having to schedule medical appointments into your work, or the struggle to move at every single instance of their lives. Every minute they are not with you, is a minute you suffer alone for 'taking one for the team'.
"No one will pity you!"
- Kenneth Fang
Well at least I won't.