The findings of a National Football League-commissioned and University of Michigan study on dementia risks in retired NFL players could have an impact on local college and high school sports programs, especially football. Football programs at the college level often take cues from the NFL on safety policies, while college and high school players often emulate the conduct of professional athletes.
"This is about more than us," said Sean Morey, Arizona Cardinals player. "It's about the high school kid in 2011 who might not die on the field because he ignored the risks of concussions."
In a phone survey, researchers for the University of Michigan asked retired NFL players, or the caregivers for NFL players, if the players had ever been diagnosed with "dementia, Alzheimer's disease, or other memory related disease." Players in the range of 30- to 49-years-old reported a dementia-related diagnosis at a rate 19 times higher than that of the national average.
When four Valley College football players were asked about their football experiences, two said they'd experienced a concussion at one time as a result of playing football, and only one of the four had heard of the UM study.
"The technology is making protective gear better," said Valley student Eric Jusko. "Mouth pieces are getting better. I think the game can be played safely."
Last year, high school athletes reported having 150,000 concussions, and doctors say younger brains are more vulnerable to injury, according to CBS news.
Every fall, the nation's 1.2 million high school football players suffer some 67,000 concussions, and nearly 41 percent of those affected return to the field too soon, under guidelines set by the American Academy of Neurology, according to The Week Publications.
One member of Valley's football team praised the good things football does for youth.
"I've been playing football since I was a little kid," said Enrique Gomez. "I love the feeling of family it gives. It keeps kids out of trouble. It gives something productive to do."
Assessing the risks of playing football to the benefits, Jusko summarized his experience with the game.
"The risk is worth it," said Jusko. "Football teaches valuable life lessons and builds character. There's no better experience than going out on the field with the guys. It's a privilege to play football."
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