Every autumn, my partner and I find ourselves in the same debate with our kids: they express their desire to play football, and we resolutely say no, which leads to inevitable whining. We stand firm, and eventually, the requests stop—until the next year, that is. It’s a frustrating cycle, but our stance against football remains unwavering.
I didn’t always feel this way about the sport. Back when my son was in first grade, he enjoyed flag football. In second grade, I hesitantly allowed him to try tackle football, not wanting to be what he called a “Dream Killer.” At just eight years old, he was convinced that his future lay in the NFL. Our conversations typically revolved around the slim chances of making it to the professional level, while he insisted he needed to start training immediately. Tears were shed, and I would tell him I’d discuss it with his dad, all the while thinking, “Absolutely not.”
Initially, I relied on my instincts to guide these decisions, but when it came to football, I was conflicted. Back then, information regarding the risks of the sport was emerging, but there was still much debate about the age at which it became dangerous. I had often disregarded expert advice in areas like breastfeeding and screen time, but football was a different story. It prompted a slew of questions: If I banned football, would I also have to prohibit hockey, skiing, or rock climbing? Would I seem hypocritical for supporting college football while denying my children the same opportunity? Ultimately, I relented and allowed my son to give it a shot, but thankfully, he chose not to play.
Fast forward to today, and my perspective has shifted dramatically. There’s no ambiguity now—my kids will not play football. Not a chance.
What Changed?
The evidence regarding the dangers of football has become overwhelmingly clear. A recent study in the Annals of Neurology revealed that it’s not merely the number of concussions that leads to chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE)—a serious brain condition caused by repeated head impacts—but rather the duration of play. Researchers at Boston University studied over 260 deceased football players and discovered that the risk of developing CTE doubles for every 2.6 years of playing. A child who begins tackle football at age five faces a tenfold increase in CTE risk compared to one who starts at age 14.
Additional research, highlighted by the New York Times, indicates that former tackle football players with CTE see their risk of the most severe forms of the disease double for every 5.3 years of play. Furthermore, a study from Seattle Children’s Research Institute revealed that concussion rates among players aged 5 to 14 were more alarming than previously thought, with 5% suffering a football-related concussion each season.
As awareness of these risks grows, more parents are opting out of letting their children play football, making it less socially acceptable to engage in the sport at a young age. A public service announcement from the Concussion Legacy Foundation compares the potential long-term effects of football to the dangers of smoking cigarettes, advocating for parents to delay tackle football until at least age 14 to minimize CTE risk. While this age isn’t a definitive cutoff, research shows that children under 12 recover from brain injuries much more slowly.
Alternatives to Football
Despite this growing body of evidence, some parents still permit their kids to play football, hoping to provide them with the benefits of team sports. While I appreciate the value of teamwork, countless other sports pose far less risk of serious injury.
Some argue that all sports come with risks, which is true. I swam competitively and faced my share of injuries, but shoulder problems do not carry the same lifelong implications as brain injuries do. A sprained ankle or bruised knee cannot be compared to the devastating consequences of concussions.
Others maintain that football is becoming safer, pointing to rule changes and better training for coaches and players. However, head injuries still occur, as evidenced by a recent incident where a Green Bay Packers player was injured during what was deemed a clean tackle.
I understand the sentiment of wanting children to pursue their passions, as I felt similarly when my son labeled me a Dream Killer years ago. But as parents, our foremost responsibility is to protect our children, thus ensuring they have the time and opportunity to chase their dreams later. We must set boundaries for activities we consider unsafe, regardless of how adept kids are at managing risks. We don’t let them run into busy streets or forgo seat belts—so why would we allow them to engage in something that poses a significant risk of brain injury?
For parents grappling with a child’s desire to play football, there are alternatives. Flag football and TackleBar—where players wear standard football gear alongside removable foam bars designed to promote safer tackling—offer safer options. TackleBar is reportedly seven times safer than traditional football.
Although it can be challenging, we can choose to delay our children’s participation in football or uphold a firm “no.” Each year it becomes easier, even if it means being labeled the Dream Killer.
Conclusion
In summary, the growing body of evidence surrounding the dangers of football, particularly regarding CTE, has led many parents, including myself, to reconsider allowing our kids to play. While there are benefits to team sports, safer alternatives exist. Ultimately, it’s our responsibility to prioritize their safety over the allure of the game.