Yesterday there were the headlines of “stunning damage” to the brain of a dead NFL player who suffered more than a 100 concussions. I think it’s stunning that the core celebrated sport in America isn’t seen as barbaric and people seem surprised by the damage it does. It’s like putting your body through a million car wrecks withouth the car, on a regular basis, duh!

As the mother of two boys (one who is playing basketball very well this season, yet still says it doesn’t compare to football), I can’t help but question this sport that many father’s worship and son’s are encouraged to follow in their footsteps with.

Let’s face it, I know that all sports can be dangerous. I actually heard somewhere that cheerleading is the most dangerous of all sports. I was a bit surprised by that, being that you never see them carrying one off of the football field.

However, I can’t see where any sport is as dangerous as one that involves grown men knocking their heads into one another and crushing their limbs from one poor ligament to the next. Sure, tag football is fine and there probably isn’t much injury out on the field with a bunch of 10-yr-old’s, but there is in the direction that they are going in.

I actually just watched my first full game the other night when Pittsburgh played their way to the superbowl. I can see how with the excitement of the fans, the display of talent and a possible life changing win, people can fall in love with the game. I can see where young boys can do something positive with their aggression and maybe even earn a scholarship with training and hard work.

But what I can’t see is where millions of people sit by and cheer shortly after a player is carried off the field while people are permanently damaging their body’s all in the name of a sport. It makes as much sense to me as the new fighting sports that are all the rave now that leave red stains all over the ring.

If the world still continues to support these things and see them as not a big deal or okay, then there isn’t anything that I can do. If my son’s father is okay with risking the physical health of our child and my son is passionate about playing, then as well, there isn’t much that I will do. However, I will let my feelings be known & continue to push for an alternative sport or extra-curricular activity that he will feel more passionate about.