UCLA quarterback Josh Rosen said at a recent press conference that he plans to look at the NFL after the Cactus Bowl, in which the Bruins are slated to battle Kansas State on Dec. 26.

Rosen was reportedly asked about what would make him want to play in the bowl game, as opposed to skipping it as some other elite players have done because of future NFL potential.

“Maybe I like my team more than some other guys,” Rosen joked at the time.

However, it was reported on Saturday that Rosen actually would sit out the bowl game.

He then gave a thought-provoking response to a reporter about players who elect to sit out bowl games.

“I think it’s unfair with Christian McCaffrey and Leonard Fournette, because they play really physical positions,” Rosen said. “For them it’s not an issue of if they’re getting hurt hurt, it’s an issue of how severe. Most of those guys get banged up to some extent every game. Quarterback is unique. We’ll take some licks here and there, but nothing like the beatings those guys take.

“A lot of people bash them but you have to realize some of these guys have families,” Rosen added. “Some have kids. Some have to really support the people behind them. Some of them may have been put in unfortunate circumstances where they can’t afford to be in school for another year. They may want to. And people in the media may not give them that shot, that there’s a part of them that wants to be in college and play in the bowl game.

“But if they’ve locked in their future earnings to take care of their kids or families, I think people should really look into their story and see how football is affecting their life.”

Rosen added that, as a quarterback, he’s in a more fortunate situation because he plays a “not-as-physical” position. He said it’s not so easy for other players.

“Players are starting to realize they have a lot of power and they don’t need to be exploited when it’s to their detriment,” Rosen said. “I think people need to look more into their stories and understand the entirety of the situation — not just lump them all together as the selfish college football player that just wants to make money.”

The Cactus Bowl will kick off at 9 p.m. ET on Tuesday and will be televised on ESPN.