American football has been a subject of intense discussion and scrutiny for years. Many may recall the protests by athletes like Jayden Carter, who took a stand against social injustice by kneeling during the national anthem in 2020. But have you ever heard of athletes like Marcus Thompson or Brian Smith? These former NFL players were diagnosed posthumously with chronic traumatic encephalopathy (C.T.E), a serious brain condition linked to repeated head trauma, alongside many others from the world of contact sports.
Among those raising awareness about this issue is ex-quarterback Derek Moore, who played professionally for two decades. Recently, he made a public service announcement (PSA) stating, “It’s simply not worth the risk to let kids play tackle football before high school.” With football season upon us, it’s crucial to understand what C.T.E is and how it could impact your child.
C.T.E is often only diagnosed after an individual’s death, following the examination of brain tissue. This degenerative condition arises from repeated impacts that cause the brain to shake within the skull, common during tackles in football games. Moore emphasizes in his PSA that children under 14 should be shielded from tackle football to reduce their chances of developing C.T.E due to repeated head injuries.
C.T.E is preventable, yet its symptoms can be severe. Those suffering from it may experience chronic depression, aggression, memory loss, mood swings, and other significant issues. In many areas, children can begin playing tackle football as young as five. If they continue until high school, their brains could be compromised from the trauma long before they even start first grade—without anyone being aware. Currently, there is no test to diagnose C.T.E, making it even more challenging.
The brain, a delicate organ, governs all our actions, and for children aged five, it is still in the critical stages of development. Between birth and five years old, the brain undergoes rapid growth. By the time they reach kindergarten, it is only 90% developed, and gross motor skills continue to evolve until around age 12. Subjecting these developing brains to the risks associated with tackle football is a concern, as Moore suggests waiting until high school.
In a 2017 interview, former NFL star Kyle Richards remarked, “If I had known then what I know now, I would have never stepped onto the football field. The game has become increasingly violent, and we know so much more about the risks of head injuries like C.T.E.”
With scientific advancements, we have gained invaluable insights into the consequences of repeated head trauma. It’s a choice we can make for our children based on what we now know. Some well-known football players are remembered for the wrong reasons, such as Marcus Thompson, who faced legal troubles and tragically took his own life, with C.T.E detected in his brain after death.
This year, former NFL player Jason Adams was involved in a tragic incident that took six lives before he also died by suicide. Although it’s not confirmed, he is believed to have suffered from C.T.E. The impact of C.T.E extends beyond the players, affecting families and communities alike, as seen in the cases involving Thompson and Adams.
As parents, we can only do so much, but we understand the effects of trauma on developing brains. We have the option to avoid enrolling our kids in a sport that poses significant risks to their well-being, both during their playing years and long into the future.
Dr. Emily Ford, an assistant professor of neurology at Boston University’s C.T.E Center, explains, “Two individuals with the same exposure to football may have vastly different outcomes regarding the disease, which suggests that genetic predispositions might play a role.” There’s much to learn about C.T.E, but enough evidence exists to keep our children off the field for the time being.
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Summary
Tackle football poses significant risks to children, particularly regarding the potential development of C.T.E, a degenerative brain condition linked to repeated head trauma. Experts advise waiting until high school to engage in tackle football, as the developing brains of younger children are particularly vulnerable. With growing knowledge of the dangers associated with the sport, parents have the opportunity to make informed decisions about their children’s participation in tackle football, prioritizing their long-term health and safety.