So, I scrolled through ESPN today, only to see a headline that said this:
"HS Football Player Dies of Brain Injury"
Another tragedy in the football world. Here's a recap of the article.
A high school player, Charles Youvella of Hopi High School in Arizona, died from a brain injury suffered during a blowout playoff loss last Saturday Night. The rest of the article talks about how good of a kid he was and how tragic his death is throughout the entire community.
Now, I understand this is yet another story of a HS football player that died on the field. The story has generated cries from the American public about how Football will be dead within 10 years.
However, let's be realistic about all of this. In an era where we know much more about concussions than ever before, and with concussions being a limelight feature in NFL articles these days, I will almost guarantee you Football isn't going anywhere.
I know what you're thinking. Wait, what? If we know so much about concussions, then why would there still be football? Haven't you seen all the suicides linked to CTE, an incurable brain disease cause by brain traumas such as concussions?
Yes, I have. However, there are 2 main reasons for why Football is going nowhere in the near future.
- Everyone knows the consequences now. Now, keep in mind most of the consequences were known by athletes for some time now. However, don't forget how players may take more precautions in order to avoid concussions as much as possible. We are in an era where even signs of a concussion pull a player out of a game. With so many precautions now, and many more to come in the future, I can't see football going anywhere.
- My main point. MONEY! Remember just how big football is in the US market and it's growing popularity outside of the states everyday. The viewership, the ticket sales, the merchandise revenue, it all adds up to one thing. Money. I hate to break it to you guys, but being in the America we are in today, it is and for the foreseeable future will be money first, health second. As long as Football is a profitable sport and makes money, Football will be around.
Now, I understand the argument of how parents are now trying to keep there children out of football because of the injury risks. When I thought about playing junior high football, my dad didn't want me to. I didn't understand then, but I understand now. The last thing my dad wanted to see was for me to get a serious injury that may hinder my day to day functions for the rest of my life. However, I don't think that is going to make a difference. Kids will still play football outside of their parent's approval, and football will still be the most profitable sport in America. With that in mind, the game of football will live on for many more years to come.