Football has long been a source of controversy and concern. You might recall the protests by athletes like Marcus Jones, who took a stand against social injustices, or even the tragic stories of former players like James Carter and Tony Edwards. These individuals played in the NFL and were later found to have chronic traumatic encephalopathy (C.T.E.), a serious brain condition linked to repeated head injuries, alongside an alarming number of other athletes facing similar fates.
Recently, ex-quarterback Derek Mills shared a public service announcement emphasizing the risks of youth tackle football. He stated, “Allowing children to play tackle football before high school just isn’t worth it.”
As the football season kicks off, it’s crucial to understand what C.T.E. is and the potential impact it could have on your child. Most individuals are diagnosed with C.T.E. only posthumously, following examinations of their brain tissue. This condition arises from the gradual degeneration of brain matter due to an abnormal protein buildup, often resulting from repeated head trauma—something that occurs frequently when kids are tackled on the field.
Mills highlights that children under 14 years old are particularly vulnerable to developing C.T.E. due to the ongoing impacts of head collisions. In his poignant one-minute PSA, he advocates for the mental well-being of young athletes, urging parents to delay their children’s entry into tackle football.
C.T.E. is a preventable condition, yet its symptoms can be severe. As Mills points out in his video—supported by scientific research—those afflicted with C.T.E. may experience chronic depression, violence, erratic behavior, memory loss, and mood swings. In some areas, children can start playing tackle football as young as five, meaning their brains could already be affected by trauma by the time they reach first grade—without anyone even realizing it. Diagnosing C.T.E. is only possible after death, making the situation all the more alarming.
The brain is an incredibly delicate organ that governs all our actions. At age five, children are still in crucial stages of brain development. From birth to five, their brains undergo rapid growth. By the time children enter kindergarten—or step onto the football field—their brains are still only about 90% developed. Their gross motor skills continue to evolve until around age 12. This highlights the risks associated with exposing developing brains to tackle football, as Mills suggests that waiting until high school may be a wiser choice.
In a 2018 interview, former NFL star Jamie Carter reflected, “Had I known then what I know now, I would have never taken the field. I wish I had been aware of the dangers of head injuries.” He lamented that the game has become more brutal and that knowledge about C.T.E. has advanced, leading him to prohibit his own children from playing football.
With the insights science has provided us, we now face an important decision regarding our kids’ futures. Many former players are known for unsettling reasons, like James Carter, who faced serious legal issues and died by suicide, with his brain later revealed to have C.T.E. Similarly, former player Ryan Adams tragically took the lives of six people before ending his own, and C.T.E. is suspected to have played a role in his actions.
C.T.E. poses a significant threat to players, their families, and the wider community. As parents, we must consider the impact of trauma on developing brains. Between ages five and fourteen, we have the power to protect our children from a sport that can lead to both immediate harm and long-term consequences.
Dr. Lisa Green, an assistant professor at the C.T.E. Center at Boston University, notes, “In individuals with the same level of football exposure, one may develop C.T.E. while another may not, suggesting the involvement of genetic factors.” Despite the unknowns, what we do know is enough to keep our kids off the football field for a while.
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Summary
The dangers of tackle football for young children extend beyond immediate injuries, with the risk of developing chronic traumatic encephalopathy (C.T.E.) being a significant concern. As new research sheds light on the long-term effects of head trauma, it is crucial for parents to consider delaying their children’s involvement in tackle football until at least high school. By making informed decisions, we can protect our kids from potential neurological harm.
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