Playing football was one of the most rewarding parts of my life. My sons would say the same thing.

 

Most of the people that had biggest influence on my life (other than my parents) were football coaches and teammates.

 

It's just my opinion but there is no sport that carries the camaraderie and impact that football does on ones character. You learn to trust, you learn to help, you learn you're part of something bigger than you. And you don't have to be great to get that feeling. I have seen many young men hardly ever play, but they were part of the whole and something special.

 

The only other activity I've seen that comes close is marching band. The camaraderie and teamwork there is also something special.

There's always been a huge empty pit inside of me I've never been able to fulfill because of being denied the opportunity to play football. I have a feeling that when I do have children, that lack of opportunity (and the fact that they figure to be pretty good-sized kids) will lead them toward the gridiron, as well as other athletic venues.

I don't have kids yet but a nephew that means a great deal to me. I can't wait for him to start playing sports and I'll definitely be there to support him when he does. I don't care what he plays, his first and middle name both happen to be shared with two All Pro QB's(brothers actually), so I would love to see him play and be successful but really it's about what makes him happy.

I do not remember where I read it, but according to the article the highest incidence of major injury in high school athletics is in cheerleading. I do not see anyone boycotting cheerleading.

 

Anything in life has its risks. One of the most dangerous things that you do in your life and most do it every day, is get into a car. How many weigh the risk before they turn the key?

 

If a child wants to play, make sure the child is equipped correctly and that his coaches are trained and has his best interest at heart.

I will say this. Despite my son getting hurt NUMEROUS times throughout his football career, I would let him play again. He loved it and he learned so much from it. That being said, when it comes to injuries, my son was able to somehow get hurt doing such innocuous things as playing in the backyard. The injury that eventually ended his "career" was a freak accident, and in no way to I blame the sport for the accident.

I do not remember where I read it, but according to the article the highest incidence of major injury in high school athletics is in cheerleading. I do not see anyone boycotting cheerleading.

 

Anything in life has its risks. One of the most dangerous things that you do in your life and most do it every day, is get into a car. How many weigh the risk before they turn the key?

 

If a child wants to play, make sure the child is equipped correctly and that his coaches are trained and has his best interest at heart.

 

Clyde made the point earlier about concussions in soccer. I don't think you can expect a child to go his or her entire life without getting injured. The problem parents are having is head injuries. I will encourage my young son to play sports, but I'm hoping he skips soccer and football. Soccer because I hate it and football because I think the research is proving it to not be very safe long term.

Clyde made the point earlier about concussions in soccer. I don't think you can expect a child to go his or her entire life without getting injured. The problem parents are having is head injuries. I will encourage my young son to play sports, but I'm hoping he skips soccer and football. Soccer because I hate it and football because I think the research is proving it to not be very safe long term.

 

Are you going to discourage those two sports, or just cross your fingers?

More teenagers are hurt or killed driving automobiles than playing football. Should we stop our teenagers from driving?

 

My son played from pee wee through high school. If I had another son I would support him 100% and in fact I would encourage him to play football.

More teenagers are hurt or killed driving automobiles than playing football. Should we stop our teenagers from driving?

 

My son played from pee wee through high school. If I had another son I would support him 100% and in fact I would encourage him to play football.

 

Think about the ratio of teens that drive compared to those that play football.

I have 2 sons that played football starting at the age of 5. One graduated HS last year and while he didn't want to continue to play in college (he had opportunities), he misses the high school team. My youngest son just finished his freshman year.

I've always had the belief that anyone that plays football at a level of high school or higher has at minimum a couple screws lose...So to the answer the question, I'd rather they play any other sports, but if they would want to play football, I'd allow it.

I've always had the belief that anyone that plays football at a level of high school or higher has at minimum a couple screws lose...So to the answer the question, I'd rather they play any other sports, but if they would want to play football, I'd allow it.

 

 

C'mon...be honest...you think everyone has a mimimum couple of screws loose but you.

C'mon...be honest...you think everyone has a mimimum couple of screws loose but you.

 

:lol: That's a different topic altogether RM.

Think about the ratio of teens that drive compared to those that play football.

 

I would almost guarantee if you look at for a percentage view point it isn't even close. Yes there are way more teenagers that drive then play football but there are also way more teenagers killed from auto accidents then football.

I would almost guarantee if you look at for a percentage view point it isn't even close. Yes there are way more teenagers that drive then play football but there are also way more teenagers killed from auto accidents then football.

 

Well oblivious. :lol: More are killed by a lot of things other than football.