There are a lot of star quarterbacks hurt this football season already: Luck, Roethlisberger, Romo. Here's to hoping that they get well soon! What I think is special about football teams is that these injured players are always on the sideline. They don't miss a game, stay at home, or become a lesser part of the team. It makes me think of my own two teammates that are out on maternity leave. They're promising to return to the game as valuable players again too! Here's some thoughts I have on why we should keep the sidelined, benched players.

1. Morale
• It's tough enough to not have them playing next to you, don't ship them off entirely! Changing the game can have emotional consequences so keep the team spirit together by keeping the benched players engaged. Make sure to continue including them in your team email announcements and locker room pep talks and keep them as active as possible.
2. External perspective
• You can still learn a lot by watching instead of doing. You can see the blitz coming in a whole new way. You can watch the competitor's coach making calls on the sideline. You can think about "what would I do" in a whole new way. For maternity leave, you demonstrate work-life balance and that you can (and should) take time off for your family and it doesn't ruin the football season (or financial quarter).
3. Relevant related skills
• Even if you aren't actively engaged in the daily grind, there are ways to stay relevant in the industry. Instead of lifting weights or going on business trips you might have more time to attend conferences or read. You know you're coming back soon so use your time wisely and brush up on industry standards or competitor tricks of the trade.