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Collisions, tackles and high-impact hits are nothing new in football. But America wasn’t prepared to witness Monday night’s tragedy, when Buffalo Bills player Damar Hamlin suffered cardiac arrest following a tackle. The 24-year-old collapsed suddenly on the field, causing the NFL to suspend the game. Doctors said Thursday that Hamlin was making substantial progress and his neurologic condition and function are intact.
The play, according to sports experts, appeared to be routine. „It’s something that could have occurred to anyone on the field,“ says Brian Turner, Xavier University of Louisiana psychologist and former college football player.
Yet, it’s rare that a player collapses with cardiac arrest so millions were shocked, players traumatized, as medical personnel used CPR on an unconscious Hamlin for nearly 10 minutes.
Along with an outpouring of support, the shocking injury was a wake-up call to some viewers regarding the „violence“ of contact sports. „The View“ co-host Alyssa Farah Griffin weighed in Wednesday, saying she now would not „want (her) boys to play football.“
It’s a longstanding debate – but one that sports psychologists say is typically oversimplified.
„Football certainly poses risks, but I have a hard time saying any sport or physical activity is ‚bad‘ and ‚dangerous‘ as a global statement,“ says Lindsay DiStefano, department head and associate professor in the University of Connecticut’s Department of Kinesiology.
Every sport comes with challenges, both physical and mental. It’s something athletes, coaches and professionals take into consideration to protect the team. But those who have the privilege to minimize football as „sheer violence“ are overlooking its significance, experts say: For many, it’s a chance to use your athleticism to achieve an education. To make money. To change your life.
„It’s the dream come true for the very few who are able to make it (to the NFL),“ DiStefano adds.
