Rich Eisen and the TNF Guys said mentioned pre-game they are excited to watch Carlos Hyde tonight and expect big things since he is in a "contract" year. The other night, the announcers were saying the same things as Ziggy piled-up the sacks, mentioning he is in a "contract" year as well.

My question is: once you are a professional athlete, shouldn't your own, inner pride and motivation to always give your best, maximum effort push you all-out on every play of every game of every season? The idea some of these guys just sort of "mail it in" or set things on cruise control at times in their playing careers, but can then jack up the energy & effort when they are about to ask for a new deal is kind of disappointing.

Is there some reality of being a professional athlete I don't understand which makes this "adjustable effort level" acceptable?