I need to stay in game shape year round. A player of my age (doing the math, 26 seasons in, assuming I was drafted at the age of 18, 18 + 26 = 44) can not afford to get lazy in the off season because it is just so much harder for me and my body to bounce back to the level expected to maintain a roster spot. And that is considering I am on a team where roster spots are a little easier to come by. There is no way I will ever again expect to play on a playoff contender as I can not possibly beat out the competition fighting for those spots. As a result, I need to maintain my physique as close to peak (to my peak as a 44 year old man) as long year round as long as I can because I am not ready to retire yet. I will play until my mind gives out, or teams stop giving me contracts.