The dialogue surrounding football has increasingly concentrated on the dangers of head injuries, particularly the alarming prevalence of concussions that players face. However, the reality is that the risks associated with head trauma extend well beyond the gridiron.
As someone involved in the academic side of a Division I sports department, I can affirm that head injuries are commonplace across all sports. My role includes overseeing mandatory study halls and tutoring sessions, and whenever a student suffers a head injury, I receive a report. Depending on the season, these reports come in from various sports, including football, soccer, gymnastics, and even lower-impact activities like track and swimming. For example, one of our pole vaulters has experienced her fourth concussion and has now been medically retired at just 21 years old.
As a parent of an 11-year-old who is passionate about soccer, I often reflect on these reports and worry about when my child might face his first concussion. The thought of him deciding to play football fills me with apprehension. The fact remains: head injuries are prevalent in all sports, but the majority of the cases I encounter come from football, which should give any parent pause when considering the sport for their child.
If you’re skeptical, take it from Brett Johnson, a true embodiment of resilience. He played in 297 consecutive NFL games, clinched three AP MVP awards, participated in two Super Bowls, and emerged victorious in Super Bowl XXXI. Recently, Johnson appeared on a popular morning show to share his personal experiences with head injuries. “I’ve consulted with several doctors about my symptoms, and one of the signs is struggling to finish a sentence,” he revealed in an exclusive interview. He discussed lapses in his memory, especially concerning short-term recall.
One particularly troubling moment for him occurred during a conversation with his wife about their youngest daughter’s soccer games. “I have made it to every game she’s played, yet I realized I couldn’t recall her playing soccer… that was my first sign that something was off,” he admitted. As a father who cherishes every moment with his children, I can certainly understand how alarming it would be to forget significant parts of their lives. While some may chalk this up to aging—I’m 35 and often misplace my keys—it feels unsettling when someone as young as Johnson, who is only 48, is grappling with memory issues.
What resonated most with me as a parent was when he expressed that he would discourage his own children from playing football. Although he doesn’t have a son, he conveyed a sense of caution, saying, “I would be very hesitant about my child participating in football,” primarily due to the risk of head injuries.
This conversation is part of a broader medical discourse on the dangers of head injuries in sports, particularly football. It’s important to note that a child doesn’t need to suffer a concussion to experience lasting brain damage. A recent study published in Translational Psychiatry examined the effects of starting tackle football before age 12. Researchers at Boston University found that individuals who began playing tackle football early had three times the likelihood of experiencing clinical depression and twice the chances of facing issues with apathy and behavioral regulation.
Sports can undoubtedly take a toll on the body, regardless of the activity. Personally, I feel the effects of my youthful snowboarding days, with knees that feel decades older. However, football can inflict long-lasting brain damage that even the toughest players, like Brett Johnson, cannot simply shake off. As parents, it’s our responsibility to weigh these risks. We also need to engage our children in discussions about these dangers so that they understand the stakes involved. Most importantly, we must scrutinize how we practice and participate in sports, especially football, to minimize head injuries as much as possible.
Participating in sports offers many benefits. From my experience in collegiate athletics, I can confidently say that some of the most motivated students I’ve encountered have been athletes. However, it’s crucial that we prioritize safety and do everything within our power to ensure that the pursuit of athletic glory does not lead to long-term health issues.
To learn more about the implications of sports participation on health, check out this insightful piece on head injuries in sports. If you’re also interested in topics related to pregnancy and home insemination, consider visiting this excellent resource for more information.
Summary:
Brett Johnson’s reflections on the risks of head injuries in football highlight the pervasive dangers of concussions not only in football but across all sports. As a parent, it’s vital to consider these risks and engage in discussions with children about the potential long-term impacts. While sports can foster growth and resilience, the safety of young athletes must remain paramount.