Polish Baritone Fights Through the Pain for the Win

Two weeks after suffering a herniated disc, Mariusz Kwiecien has returned heroically to the Metropolitan Opera to sing Don Giovanni.  

It's a story right out of the NFL, complete with a franchise superstar, "end of the world pain," rushed rehab, and a handsome backup stepping in and scoring big. (So to speak.)  

The only thing missing is sportswriters saying Kwiecien had a "stinger" and hinting that the trainer shot him up with horse tranquilizers. When, oh when, will some bitter old spear carrier in the opera world finally write North Vienna Forty?

Still and all, NFL AstroTurf beats the stage of the Met when it comes to dangerous workplaces, as seen last weekend:

Whatever his risks, Kwiecien doesn't have to worry about being stepped on by 350-pound offensive tackles.  Although some of those German sopranos... well, never mind.

{ Photo: Marty Sohl / Metropolitan Opera }