METAIRIE, La. -- My first reaction to the news that Nick Fairley is out for the season because of a heart condition has nothing to do with football.
It would be devastating news for anybody -- and it's an especially tough diagnosis for Fairley, who can’t seem to catch a break in the NFL. The 29-year-old finally had his breakout season with the New Orleans Saints last year after a turbulent start to his career, and he really seemed to enjoy playing close to his hometown of Mobile, Alabama, for the team his family grew up cheering.