Researchers studied the brains of 111 deceased football players who showed concussion symptoms before they died. All but one were diagnosed with chronic traumatic encephalopathy, or degenerative brain disease.
This new concussion research is being released as football players of all ages get ready to hit the field for the upcoming season.
As the Arlington Knights hit the practice field on Tuesday evening, Calvin Bills had an eye on his grandson Jeremy.
“This is his first year and he looks like a beginner,” said Bills with a laugh. “But he’s having a good time I can tell you that.”
Bills has read about an updated study published by the American Medical Association that is looking into a potential link between a brain disease and former football players, some who only played in high school.
“I think that’s important,” said Bills. “The studies that they’re doing. They should continue to have these studies and get as much information so they can deal with the issue.”
For head football coach Lamar Stone, it’s about teaching safety at a young age.
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“You don’t have to be too physical to where you’re risking your body on the field,” he said. “When you’re coming in for a tackle, come shoulder length. You can’t come in with your head. I teach them the safe way.”
Bills will continue to pay close attention to further studies to see if it’s worth his grandson playing beyond the semi-select youth football team.
“It’s not for everybody,” he said.
The Arlington Knights Sports Association also involves parents in their football safety conversations.
You can read the full study from the American Medical Association here.
