In a sport where players sometimes place unrealistic demands on their own body and mind to ‘get right’ to play, it is unusual — but welcome — to see one putting themselves, rather than the game, first.

It can be hard for players to give themselves a fighting chance of getting back into the best shape and move forward, but Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Jaire Alexander has realised that the needs of the one outweight the needs of the many on this occasion, with team placing on the reserve/retired list on Wednesday as he steps away from football to ‘get right physically and mentally’, according to NFL Network insider Mike Garafolo.

The Eagles acquired Alexander in November, swapping late-round picks with the Baltimore to acquire the former Packer, who only signed with the Ravens this summer after seven years in Green Bay. Beset by injury in recent seasons, Alexnder didn’t play in a game for the reigning Super Bowl champions, who still have question marks at their CB2 spot across from rising star Quinyon Mitchell, but have since reinstated Jakorian Bennett from IR.

Once this undetermined break is over, former Pro Bowler Alexander will decide whether or not to return to the game. Whatever the rest period achieves, and whatever is next on his journey, Alexander is at least being proactive in dictating how his future will play out. In the wake of the tragic passing of Dallas DE Marshawn Kneeland last week, this is a welcome development, even if it means the end of a promising career that never quite fulfilled its potential.

Here’s hoping the rest does you good, Jaire.