Since the beginning of the 21st century, the prevalence of vasectomies has steadily increased in the United States. This permanent form of birth control is being increasingly embraced by American men, and notably, this shift has also resonated with professional athletes typically associated with larger families.
A prime example is former Pittsburgh Steeler Ryan Clark, a 13-year NFL veteran who recently shared his journey on the podcast *We Playin’ Spades*. After the arrival of his third child, Clark found himself at a pivotal decision point—one that ultimately made him realize he had reached his limit. “That was enough,” he reflected, underlining the personal significance of his choice.
However, the process wasn’t without challenges. Clark’s decision to proceed with the procedure was not made unilaterally; it arose from an essential conversation with his wife. “I wanted number four,” he confessed, indicating that his wife had a different viewpoint. “She told me she did not want number four, and I had to respect that. She was like, ‘I had these babies, so you’re going to help us stop having these babies.’ And that was a decision.” This exchange highlights the relatable dynamics that many couples encounter when navigating family planning—a delicate balance of desires, responsibilities, and mutual understanding.
Fortunately for Clark and his family, his vasectomy seems to have been effective. However, not every story concludes on a positive note. Antonio Cromartie, a former first-round draft pick and San Diego Chargers player, offers a cautionary tale. After the birth of his 11th child, he opted for a vasectomy, aiming to halt further family growth. Unfortunately, in 2017, he welcomed his 14th child, just three years after the procedure.
Such outcomes are not uncommon, as Dr. Ajay Nangia from the University of Kansas Health System explained. In a discussion with Charles Curtis from *ForTheWin*, he elaborated on the complexities of a vasectomy and the necessary follow-up procedures. Dr. Nangia noted that patients are encouraged to use alternative birth control methods for several months following the procedure, as sperm can still be present until a follow-up appointment verifies a “zero count.” While the likelihood of pregnancy after receiving this confirmation is low—approximately 1 in 2,000—Cromartie’s situation raises questions. “We don’t know if he got any confirmation of his ‘zero.’ Surely by the fact that he had one kid after his vasectomy should have been a red flag,” he remarked, offering clarity amidst the medical complexities.
Moreover, it’s not just Clark and Cromartie grappling with these decisions. Former Philadelphia Eagle Jason Kelce is currently contemplating a vasectomy as well, as he and his wife, Kylie, are preparing to welcome their fourth daughter. The former offensive lineman finds himself in a familiar dilemma faced by many men. “I don’t think it’s necessarily about wanting a boy… We’ve got to give up on that idea. It’s more about, ‘Do we want to have another child?’” Kelce shared during an appearance on TNT’s *Steam Room*. This open acknowledgment reflects the internal struggle many couples confront—should they maintain their current family makeup, or should they consider expanding further?
While Kelce may never achieve that coveted heir to his football legacy, the experiences of athletes like him, Clark, and Cromartie serve as representations of the responsibilities and uncertainties that accompany family planning. Their stories remind us that whether outcomes are successful or not, the decisions we make can have significant, lasting consequences—not just affecting our own lives but also the lives of future generations. Each chapter of their narratives resonates with anyone who has contemplated the best choices for their families, emphasizing the universal themes of love, choice, and responsibility.
Image Source: Ryan Clark @ Instagram
