It was a chaotic morning when the call came in. The school nurse was on the line, urgently requesting my presence at the school. “Your son has sustained a head injury,” she informed me.
At just 8 years old, my son had collided with another child during gym class, and the impact caused him to lose consciousness momentarily. By the time I arrived at the nurse’s office, I was met with a distressing sight: a painful bump on his head, swelling larger by the second. He exhibited grogginess and confusion, and as the hours progressed, his symptoms worsened: vomiting, inability to walk, lethargy, and confusion. After consulting with our family physician, we rushed him to the ER, where a diagnosis of concussion was confirmed.
The road to recovery was long, taking nearly eight weeks. During this time, he suffered from headaches, visual disturbances, memory issues, and a lack of focus—all stemming from that single, accidental collision. While he did recover fully, we were left with lingering concerns about the potential long-term effects on his developing brain.
In light of our experience and the harsh reality of concussions, my husband and I decided against allowing our son to participate in tackle football. He often watches high school games from the sidelines, always remembering the arduous journey he endured during his recovery.
Recent findings from the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) have further validated our decision. Their study examined the brains of 111 former professional NFL players and found that 110 of them exhibited signs of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). This alarming statistic should prompt parents to reconsider their children’s participation in full-contact sports like football and boxing.
To put it plainly, CTE is a degenerative brain disorder associated with repeated head trauma. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, symptoms may include memory loss, confusion, mood swings (including depression and suicidal thoughts), erratic behavior, attention issues, and difficulties with balance and motor skills. Although CTE is only definitively diagnosed post-mortem, there is a clear link between repeated head injuries and the presence of CTE in deceased individuals.
The JAMA study revealed that 202 brains of former football players were analyzed, and 177 were found to have CTE. These brains were donated by families who had observed symptoms in their loved ones. The players examined had a history of participation in football at various levels, from high school to professional, spanning diverse age groups.
It is essential to note that the sample bias exists, as the brains were donated primarily by families concerned about CTE. While this study does not conclusively prove that CTE directly results from football-related head injuries, it underscores the urgent need for further research to safeguard our children on the field.
At present, there are no comprehensive long-term studies on living individuals concerning CTE, as conducting such research would require substantial funding and extensive record-keeping over many years. Estimates suggest that a long-term study might cost around $100 million, which underscores the considerable effort required to yield conclusive results.
The takeaway is clear: science is increasingly supporting the notion that repeated head impacts in football can result in lasting brain damage. Even the NFL is acknowledging these findings. In a statement to NPR, the league expressed its commitment to collaborating with medical and scientific communities to enhance athlete safety. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has even pledged $100 million to research aimed at protecting players, but independent studies are equally vital. We must ensure that parents are empowered to make informed decisions about football and that our kids can safely enjoy the sport.
So, what can parents do to advocate for their football-loving children? Take action. Advocate for your child’s football organization to prioritize CTE research. While fundraising for new gear is important, it is equally crucial to support initiatives aimed at investigating traumatic brain injuries in young athletes.
Ensure your child wears proper, up-to-date headgear during every game—without exception. Do not allow your child to return to play if they have been diagnosed with a concussion. There is no justification for exposing them to further risk before they are fully healed and given medical clearance. Any coach who pressures you to rush a child back onto the field should raise serious concerns.
Most importantly, recognize that increasing research supports the notion that head injuries pose a significant threat to our children, both on and off the field. If you’re interested in exploring alternative family-building options, check out this excellent resource for pregnancy and home insemination. Also, consider visiting Modern Family Blog, as they are an authority on this topic. You can even find helpful tips on home insemination kits here.
In summary, my family’s experience with a concussion has profoundly influenced our stance on tackle football. The emerging scientific evidence surrounding CTE only reinforces our decision. As parents, we must advocate for our children’s safety and well-being, ensuring they can engage in sports without compromising their health.