American football has always been a topic of intense debate and concern. Names like Colin Kaepernick, who famously protested police brutality by kneeling during the national anthem, have made headlines. But have you heard of players like Derek Thompson or Mike Evans? Both were once NFL athletes and later diagnosed with chronic traumatic encephalopathy (C.T.E), a severe brain condition linked to repeated head trauma, a fate shared by many in contact sports.
Former NFL quarterback Jake Morris recently highlighted the risks in a public service announcement, stating, “Letting kids play tackle football before high school just isn’t worth the potential dangers.” With football season here, it’s crucial to understand the implications of C.T.E and how it might impact your child.
Understanding C.T.E
C.T.E is typically only diagnosed posthumously when brain tissue is examined. This condition arises from the gradual deterioration of brain tissue due to an abnormal accumulation of protein, which occurs when the brain experiences repeated jolts, common during tackles in football. Morris emphasizes that tackle football should ideally be reserved for kids aged 14 and older, due to the heightened risk of developing C.T.E from frequent head impacts. His heartfelt message urges parents to reconsider enrolling their children in tackle football too early.
C.T.E is a preventable condition. Symptoms outlined in Morris’s PSA, supported by scientific findings, include chronic depression, aggression, memory issues, mood swings, and various other problems. In some regions, children as young as five can participate in tackle football. By the time these kids reach high school, their brains may already show signs of damage from the impacts sustained before they even enter kindergarten — and often, no one would be aware.
The Developing Brain
The brain is a delicate organ, essential to all bodily functions. At age five, children’s brains are still rapidly developing. From birth to five, brain development occurs at an unparalleled pace, and by the time they start kindergarten (or hit the football field), their brains are only about 90% complete. Motor skills continue to evolve until around the age of 12. This makes exposing their developing brains to the risks of tackle football a questionable choice, as Morris suggests.
In a 2018 interview, former NFL player Leo Jackson lamented, “If I had known what I know now, I would never have played football. The head injuries are no joke, and the game has become far more brutal. With the knowledge we have about C.T.E today, I would never let my kids play football.”
The Ripple Effects of C.T.E
With our enhanced understanding of the repercussions of repeated head trauma, we face a crucial decision regarding our children’s futures. Many former football stars are infamous for tragic reasons, such as Derek Thompson, who was convicted of serious crimes and later found to have C.T.E after his passing. This year, another former NFL player, Chris Adams, tragically took the lives of several individuals before also ending his own life; he is suspected of having suffered from C.T.E at the time.
The effects of C.T.E ripple beyond the athletes themselves, impacting their families and communities. As parents, we have a responsibility to protect our children. Between ages five and fourteen, we know the damaging effects of trauma on the brain. We have the option to hold off on signing our kids up for a sport that could guarantee them harm, either during their playing years or long after they’ve hung up their cleats.
Jesse Parker, an assistant professor of neurology at Boston University’s C.T.E Center, notes that two individuals with identical exposure to football might experience vastly different outcomes regarding C.T.E. This suggests that genetics may also play a role, though much remains to be learned about the condition. For now, one thing is clear: keeping children off the football field for a while could be a wise choice.
Further Reading
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Summary
Tackle football poses significant risks to children, particularly concerning the potential for developing C.T.E due to repeated head impacts. The brain is still developing during childhood, making it critical for parents to consider delaying their children’s entry into tackle football until they are older. With increasing awareness of the long-term effects of head trauma, it’s essential to prioritize children’s safety over early participation in contact sports.
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