Recently, a 24-year old
star rookie linebacker for the NFL San Francisco 49ers decided to retire. His
reason? He decided that the risk of playing football outweighed the reward of
becoming a bigger superstar and making millions of dollars. The risk is directly
associated with his long term health. He mentions the concern over brain
disease as his #1 reason for retiring. His name is Chris Borland.
I have been following
the issue of head trauma for several years now. I have personal experience with
difficulties in remembering simple things such as certain tasks I’ve agreed to take on
at work or the details of recent conversations I’ve had with someone. I
sometimes relate these difficulties with the several minor concussions I
experienced in my youth sports career. Only one such concussion sidelined me,
but I know there were others. My wife certainly points these things out to me
from time to time. She didn’t even know me as a youth, but she certainly cares
for my future.
Chris Borland isn’t the
only one retiring from football. In just the week leading up to his retirement,
two other players 27 or younger decided to retire. These players are considered to be
in the prime of their careers. As the decision to step away from the game becomes more common for players in the prime of their careers, even people who
do not follow the sport or the issue of head trauma should take notice.
I have a son who has
expressed interest in playing football. And while I think that football was the
greatest sport experience that I had growing up, I will not let him play tackle
football until at least age 12. It’s too dangerous. What is the reward for
playing football before high school anyway? Arguably the greatest high profile
football player of all-time (Tom Brady) did not play until he was in high
school. This tells me that the reward of playing tackle football before high school is small. If
Brady can become one of the greatest without even playing the sport until high
school, why start earlier and subject yourself to such a great risk? Especially
when there are other options. There are other sports. Sports are great for character building, and as
long as flag football, soccer, and other sports are offered during the tackle
football season, I will have trouble understanding why so many kids still play
tackle football. How can an educated person possibly argue that the risk is not
greater than the reward? I guess educated person is a relative term.
Football is very big in
my town. Many kids are playing starting at age 5. It concerns me that these
kids will have so much of an advantage over my son if he decides he still wants
to play football later in life. It takes a great amount of patience,
understanding, love, and willpower to not give into doubt. The doubt that I may
be hurting my son’s future by keeping him away. At least I know I am not jeopardizing his future health. Some of you may be asking why I
would let him play in the first place. And it’s a simple answer of risk versus
reward. I believe sports are invaluable, and I know that tackle football isn’t
the only sport carrying the risk of head trauma. It may be the current poster board for head injuries, but
it could be argued that the risk is greater in soccer. I love the fact that my
son has taken an interest in sports, but I am prepared to be smart about it.
Until he is old enough to make his own decisions, his life is essentially in my hands.
We all face tough
decisions as parents. We do the best we can, and follow that with a lot of hope
and prayer. I hope that more parents realize the risk of head trauma in tackle
football. I pray that fewer parents have to live any part of their life with
regret. The latest studies suggest that the risk of lasting brain injury is considerably
increased for football players who start playing before the age of 12. There
are other options. If you are reading and still doubt the risk, I hope you
educate yourself more. Your child’s life is in your hands. Make the best
decisions you can. The more educated you are, the better decision you will be
able to make. Please way the risk versus the reward.
There are also other opinions. I would like to end this blog
by saying that for those of you reading this who continue to let your sons play
football at such a young age, I understand that there is a chance that I am
wrong on the risk. Even if I am right, not every kid will suffer a brain injury. For your sake, I hope that either I am wrong or that it doesn't happen to your family.
Be smart. Enjoy Life.
Coach Randal Suozzo,
CPC, ELI-MP
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