Training camps are starting and a new season is on the horizon as many fans anticipate the return of football. But no matter how much we love the sport, there’s no ignoring its dangers.
Training camps are starting and a new season is on the horizon as many fans anticipate the return of football. But no matter how much we love the sport, there’s no ignoring its dangers.
A new study published by the Journal of the American Medical Association found Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) in a high percentage of former football players.
Researchers with Boston University’s CTE Center examined brain tissue donated by 202 deceased ex-players. They found CTE in 87 percent of men who played for an average of 15 years, including high school, college, semi-pro, and professional football.
Symptoms of CTE can include memory loss, impaired judgment, impulse control problems, aggression, depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts.
Some studies have linked the disease to Parkinson’s and Lou Gehrig’s Disease.
Gulf Coast High School assistant football coach P. J. Gibbs is a certified Master Trainer for Heads Up Football. He’s teaching players a safer way to play the game.
“It’s all about being proactive and being educated, and that’s a great thing what, you know, USA Football does for all the high schools throughout the country and internationally, ” he said.
“We’re all educators. When you’re in the classroom, it’s about teaching your subject. When you’re on the football field, it’s about teaching proper technique.”
