Don't Play Football
I thought I'd pen this advice for any of my fellow Gulchers who may have nephews, kids or grandkids who may be contemplating playing football. This is my TSA for the day. My advice is don't have them play football. I'm 50 now and was realizing while walking into the office this morning (or trying to walk into the office) that there are better things to do that build discipline, friendships and teamwork ability. I had opportunities through football, and it was all my parents really knew. I don't blame them. But, the price I'm paying now is worrisome. I have been in some denial for quite some time and have a very high tolerance for pain. I have avoided getting the blue placard for parking, have only endured one reconstructive surgery. But, my quality of life will continue to be impacted from here on out - that's clear. Tell the kids to learn golf, swimming, track...and emphasize academics.
Here's how my football career was nipped in the bud.
First of all, I am to athletics as a poodle is to a pencil eraser. But for some reason, I had sticky hands. Toss a ball to within 5 or 6 feet of me and I'd usually catch it. As a result I got a couple of touchdown credits by just standing in the end zone. Then, strictly by accident on a screwed up play I got handed the football and fled toward the end zone at my usual 3 mph and as I tried for a lateral I tripped and was run over by at least 3 or 4 guys who were an inch or two behind me. When I got home, I was changing my shirt (I'm also a slob) my mom noticed the cleat marks on my back. It was the end of my football career.
There are no "safe" sports. My children's stepfather was a star college soccer player who broke his ankles nine times, dislocated a shoulder, and was knocked unconscious several times. One of my college classmates was seriously injured in a head to head collision with another baseball player. I could cite many other instances for every physical sport (I was nearly hit in the head by an errant shot put in track). The alternative is to try to "bubblewrap" our children, but then they likely wouldn't gain a sense of how to avoid real danger.
My youngest is also tracking to Eagle Scout and the BSA has been a tremendous positive influence on him becoming more goal-directed and self-confident. I don't expect him to get any concussions from learning to pole vault, but he could well break his neck. He and his brother are pretty good downhill skiers, but that's not a risk-free venture either as evidence by my partial rotator cuff tear two years ago.
Regarding football, I discouraged it with my sons. I learned a lot playing it but my second knee injury provided me with a "graceful" exit after I realized I wasn't big enough or dedicated enough to be a successful college lineman. I too pay the price for nagging injuries today, but don't regret my time playing. Still, there are better ways to learn these lessons than football.
On a more serious note, my kids (both girls) learned how to work with others and were rewarded for their hard work in Band, particularly marching band. (Both worked their way up to first chair in their instruments, and made all-state). Full disclosure ... one did sustain a 'sorta' band-related injury. She sustained a severe ankle sprain playing flag football with the rest of the trumpets in college.
So, Abaco, although you probably intended your advice for the guys, parents of girls should also pay heed! Thanks for giving us the benefit of your experience.
Thanks to a backyard tackle football scrimmage game with no protection equipment I endured a neck injury that resulted 50 years later in the need to fuse the neck in the bottom 4 vertebrae. Saved my ass.
In the 3rd grade at age 9, thanks to falling out of a tree and sustaining a mid-back spinal injury from which I recovered as rubbery youth, later at age 27, I couldn't walk for 3 months. Chiros and Rolfing saved my ass.
Skiing accidents and jumping off of garage roofs as a teenager did not help.
But, I was free. I was free to do these things some of which I might not have survived. I wouldn't trade it for any nanny-state controlled safety society ever.
I'm sorry to hear you're struggling with it. My aunt had injuries from sports, and eventually they worked or, or at least she does not complain. Maybe the treatment will be more effective than you think.