So my son has been playing football since he was 6. He is now a freshman playing at a high school that currently has the #1 varsity team in the state. His freshman team is undefeated and my boy is a beast playing on both sides of the ball. My question, or dilemma, is am I a negligent parent for allowing my kid to play a dangerous game with possible life altering after effects? I am a strong believer in all of team sports life lessons and the discipline realized in the unbelievable comittment these boys put in, but is it worth it? I've read all the reports and studies and know the risks, as do my son and wife. We've decided to continue this year at least, and will re-evaluate after the season. Are we nuts? He plays Defensive End and Tight End.

Thank you all for the thoughtful responses. I know this topic is far from being pinball related but I figured I'd get a nice variety of answers in this forum. It's shocking to see the sport dying like it is because of these concerns. My town used to have three teams in each division in their pee-wee program when my son started and it's down to one now.

He's actually a really good baseball player too so I'm hoping he makes the HS team and sticks with that year round (I'm a baseball guy).

Well we do live in the Chicago area where no one is safe from the flying bullets.

This is another good point. I know a LOT of guys who played football through college without any noticeable consequences. I understand it's difficult to argue with science, but I haven't run across anyone in real life (my life) that this has affected. Again, hoping the baseball bug takes over.

Hah I had to downvote that one.

Haha yeah nothing but gang bangers on these streets. It's not FF I'm worried about, it's driving on the expressways. Unbelievable how many people are being shot, at all times of the day and night. He's a pitcher but sadly a right hander.

Can you expain what it did to them later in life? Just curious.