Nate Ness doesn’t celebrate his birthday anymore.
Having a birthday in early September means it typically follows final cuts in the NFL, and with the league schedule pushed back a few days this year, his birthday Saturday happens to be the day teams finalize their 53-man rosters.
“I hate my birthday,” he said, adding the stress makes it difficult to eat or sleep.
When the Lions play the Bills tonight at Ford Field, about 24 players will take the field uncertain about their future.
Some players, like the journeyman Ness, have experienced being cut several times during their career.