This question comes from an exceprt in this article on ESPN.

 

The NFL's problems could be reaching a critical mass. Even numerous professional athletes today, seeing how dangerous football has become, don't want their children playing the sport. During the American League Championship Series, Rangers third baseman Michael Young said he wouldn't let his two boys play football, nor would Yankees' closer Mariano Rivera. Both cited the short-term physical injury potential and the long-term possibility for brain injury.

 

 

 

"No way," Detroit Tigers left fielder Johnny Damon told me, of his son Jackson. Growing up in Florida, Damon was recruited to play football in high school. "The way I look at it this way: If my son has enough talent to play football, he probably has enough talent to play baseball. You get to play longer, and our money is guaranteed."

 

 

I have two nephews and a younger brother that aren't old enough to play yet and I would definitely have reservations if they choose to play football. Luckily it's several years away before that decision has to be made.

At the youth level I'd bet there are more broken bones and concussions in soccer than football. The kids aren't fast enough and strong enough to generate the power that causes a lot of these serious injuries.

My kid is a kicker, not even a punter just a FG/Kick off guy. But if he grows to 6'2" 210 lbs. and wants to play its his choice.

 

The Price of victory is high, but so are the Rewards.

My kid is a kicker, not even a punter just a FG/Kick off guy. But if he grows to 6'2" 210 lbs. and wants to play its his choice.

 

The Price of victory is high, but so are the Rewards.

 

Definitely agree with the last part about rewards. I'm willing to bet that the majority of the parents who do not let their kid play football never played it themselves. At least at a high school level

I played football in high school but never was very interested in my son playing at a young age. Nothing to do with injury though. I just figured if I started him too early he might get burnt out. It's a big time commitment for a young kid.

At the youth level I'd bet there are more broken bones and concussions in soccer than football. The kids aren't fast enough and strong enough to generate the power that causes a lot of these serious injuries.

I'll say that you are probably right there. But once you get to H.S. I think it starts to shift dramatically. I guess the argument is why start a child down that path?

Definitely agree with the last part about rewards. I'm willing to bet that the majority of the parents who do not let their kid play football never played it themselves. At least at a high school levelI did not play football in H.S., but did at every level prior to that. Personally, I'm not fast enough, big enough, or good enough to have ever touched the field at even the worst high schools in KY. I know it's not the "macho" thing to think about, but the risks are very, very real and I think the concerns are legitimate. I think sports are a very integral part of growing up and hope both my nephews and younger brother will participate in them....but not for sure if football is one I'd want them to be a part of.

Well, I guess it's a little late for me to change my mind. :lol: My son began playing flag football until he was 6, and continued until the doctor ordered him to quit at 17.

My mother wouldn't let me play football when I was a kid but I also played Basketball and Baseball.

All sports have their dangers. I played and both my sons played. They both miss it dearly. And yes, both had significant injuries. They recovered to play again. Football is still the ultimate team sport. But never push kids to play though. Just let it develop if interest is there. JMO.

I am encouraging my son to play. Next year he will be old enough to start his first year of youth football as long as his mother clears it.

This is such a dumb attitude don't let your kids play?? Most the people who say stuff like this let their kids do things far more dangerous than football...... How many kids are hurt climbing trees, riding bikes, horseplaying, etc......... Just don't understand the motive or the fear thing. When I have kids I want them to do anything out of the house and off the computer that they can.

I'll say that you are probably right there. But once you get to H.S. I think it starts to shift dramatically. I guess the argument is why start a child down that path?

 

What is the path that you mention?

What is the path that you mention?

The path of playing football. If you allow it while very young it only seems logical that as they grow older (where the risks start to increase due to size, speed, etc.) they will want to continue to play.

At the youth level I'd bet there are more broken bones and concussions in soccer than football. The kids aren't fast enough and strong enough to generate the power that causes a lot of these serious injuries.

 

I was at a Children's Hospital event a few years back and the Dr. speaking said they see more injuries from soccer than any other sport.