As a former serious Division 1 guy 30 years removed, I disagree with the original poster, but somewhere in his ramblings there may be buried a decent point or two.
I run 3 or 4 miles a day - and really enjoy it - far more than I did when I was competing. Of course, there is no pressure, which makes a lot of difference, but it is just great to get outdoors virtually every day and enjoy the environment. I just ran through some absurd snow days, and the general feeling among my neighbors is that I was crazy to run in such snow, but really, those cooped up in their houses are crazy. What a great sense of freedom which was obtained, even with my modest 3 or 4 miles.
One of the challenges with lifelong running, however, is that at some point for most of us the focus cannot be just on running. It really needs to be on overall fitness. Being a guy who always finds running the path of least resistance in terms of exercise, I do discipline myself to engage in other forms of exercise. I have a rowing machine which I too often neglect, and could use a lot more swimming. I do indulge hiking in the mountains often, and of course, the running is a good platform to handle the long climbs. But really, the the focus should be on being fit and healthy as opposed to just feeding a running obsession. And of course, not eating like an 18 year old and inhaling junk food every day matters a lot, too.
And the points above about the challenge of football players adapting to a life after football are very prescient. I am very happy for a few of my ex-football player friends, who have had to adjust their lifestyle and exercise patterns (and body shape) way more than any runner to stay healthy. And their wives and girlfriends don't bemoan the fact that these guys have become skinny - most impressive is that they are on the ball and have taken care of themselves - as I say - a lot, lot harder task for ex-football players than with runners.