In the last three to four years, the dialogue about concussions and player safety in the NFL has grown exponentially. Obviously with the suicide of iconic players like Junior Seau, just naming one of the several that have taken their lives, it has caused concern throughout the sport. This is not limited to the professional ranks either. There are several campaigns that are actively trying to reteach football and make it safer.

That being said, it makes plenty of sense to say that less educated players would be more at risk. And since football is a sport that most children start at a early age, that would mean that children fill in the area that have that greatest risk of  trauma related injuries. An article by The Atlantic, is saying just that. Children in Pee-Wee leagues are in more danger than the hulking masses of men that we watch on Sundays. The argument is so obvious that it gets overlooked.

I am not a proponent for this, in my opinion, softer brand of football. These children are still developing physically though and their safety does have to be taken into account. I just feel like there will be a day where football cannot be recognized as the game that most of us know and love. We are treading dangerous waters here, but for these children at least, it makes more sense than some of the “BS” arguments that come our way.

The late Junior Seau shown on the New England Patriots sideline during a game. (Photo by Dave Sizer/Via Flickr)