Ever watched an NFL game and thought a running back might have stepped out of bounds to avoid a hit for fear of getting injured?
Or wondered whether a receiver failed to make a catch because he held up ever so slightly? Or a linebacker didn't deliver a hit that could change the game because he was protecting himself?
Players around the league say they notice these things, too. Frequently, even. So much so that they've coined a phrase for it.
"A lot of people make 'career decisions' all the time," Miami Dolphins defensive back Michael Thomas said with a laugh.