Dennis Northcutt is at that crossroad with the Lions.
"Whatever happens, trust me, I'm going to be OK because I have prepared myself for life," said Northcutt, who is beginning his 11th season very much on the bubble in a crowded, talented wide receiver corps. "I am prepared. I've taken care of my money in this league. I am going to be OK. But I enjoy football and I am going to play until God says it's time not to play."
Northcutt, 33, caught 35 passes for 357 yards his first season with Detroit last year. During the offseason, the Lions signed two free-agent receivers, Nate Burleson and Brian Clark. It was roundly assumed those signings signaled the end of Northcutt's days with the Lions.