Upon graduation, Tardits had made all-conference as a linebacker, and had set a record for sacks at Georgia that still stands. He went on to play in the NFL for New England and Arizona. After his NFL career was over, Tardits returned to rugby, playing for the United States 24 times. I suppose there's a risk of injury, but a lot of things carry a risk of injury. It's a wonderful tool in the development of young football players.
Football can also create great rugby players.
Dan Lyle of VMI took up rugby while waiting for an NFL tryout. The tryout came, but by then he had shown a great talent for rugby and was hooked. Lyle is now one of the three best at his position in the world in rugby, and plays professionally for Bath in England. Great Opportunities Rugby offers athletes opportunities that gridiron cannot. Rugby has a national championship, for one, an Under-19 and senior national team, and a chance to travel the world.