At the professional level and for all but the players, I might agree. But I tell you, FRiend, for most of the players at the pro level, the work and dedication that it takes to stay competitive will weed out those in it for the money after a few short years. Most of those guys HAVE to still have some love for the game to do what they do. Many get out early when that love starts to wain. The Jeff Saturday's and Brett Favres of the world (for instance) loved the game.
That is the minority.
Most of the great players when the money discussion comes up will repeat the old line that the money is for Monday through Saturday, Sunday they do for fun and love of the game.