My guilty pleasure isn't football -- it's boxing. The pleasure of watching a gifted boxer goes far beyond any affinity for brutality because the best boxers win not so much by overpowering as by outsmarting. There is grace and beauty in what the best of them of do and a quickness worthy of a home run hitter sending a 100 mph fastball into the next zip code. But I cannot justify my pleasure in watching all this. For in the end, the point is not grace and beauty and quickness -- the point is inflicting brain damage. Watching YouTube compilations of the "10 Best Knock Outs", etc. makes this horribly clear. Listening to the accompanying sportscaster commentary -- He's not getting up from that! Lights out! -- and the blood roar of the crowd as a boxer is rendered unconscious, flat on his back, limbs twitching. Horrible. But what do we do about it? Same question Mr. Bruni raises about football. Same lack of a good answer.
4
Brady will likely be fine, even with the odd concussion. Bruni is really perpetuating the problem here. The ones who bear the brunt are the lineman who crash into each other with insane force 50 to 80 times a game and suffer those micro-blows with each play. But since their positions aren't glamorized, it's easier to overlook.
But I suppose everyone reads a couple of articles on Slate and becomes a neuroscientist. I agree that the NFL needs to do way more to protect current players and care for retired ones. Management is extremely powerful here, but there are rumblings that the players' union will again be willing to countenance a work stoppage to try to force concessions. We'll see in a few years. But since today's Left has abandoned any substantive engagement with labor, we're again missing the forest because of the trees. If electricians, welders, commercial drivers and the like who are injured on the job and can't get meaningful long term help, why should we expect the NFL to be any different? But since our politics are so superficial these days, let's just rail against football and feel content that our snide Twitter post let everyone else know how we feel about it.
But I suppose everyone reads a couple of articles on Slate and becomes a neuroscientist. I agree that the NFL needs to do way more to protect current players and care for retired ones. Management is extremely powerful here, but there are rumblings that the players' union will again be willing to countenance a work stoppage to try to force concessions. We'll see in a few years. But since today's Left has abandoned any substantive engagement with labor, we're again missing the forest because of the trees. If electricians, welders, commercial drivers and the like who are injured on the job and can't get meaningful long term help, why should we expect the NFL to be any different? But since our politics are so superficial these days, let's just rail against football and feel content that our snide Twitter post let everyone else know how we feel about it.
3
Tom Brady is an adult. Tom Brady is not stupid. Tom Brady is making choices about his life and his career and his health, and although many of us may not agree with his choices, they are his choices and eventually his consequences to live with -- if there are any.
(By the way Frank...... a Broncos fan urging Tom Brady to retire?
Uh-huh.)
(By the way Frank...... a Broncos fan urging Tom Brady to retire?
Uh-huh.)
4
Most years, Gisele Bundchen earns more from modeling than Tom Brady earns from playing football. He does NOT joke about being a kept man.
You can look up what and how they eat and how much exercise they do to stay in shape for their work. They each exercise more self discipline every day than most people do in a month. All that has kept them successful. They do not use their success to purchase fancy food and drink and both have very few bad habits. It's easy to be jealous of their lives.
It is very sad to picture Tom Brady suffering concussions. I hope what Bruni presumes may be possible does not occur.
Gary Gulman, a 6'6" comedian who played football in college, has a great monolog about Tom Brady making tough Boston guys feel gay:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-bgsI9XT05c
You can look up what and how they eat and how much exercise they do to stay in shape for their work. They each exercise more self discipline every day than most people do in a month. All that has kept them successful. They do not use their success to purchase fancy food and drink and both have very few bad habits. It's easy to be jealous of their lives.
It is very sad to picture Tom Brady suffering concussions. I hope what Bruni presumes may be possible does not occur.
Gary Gulman, a 6'6" comedian who played football in college, has a great monolog about Tom Brady making tough Boston guys feel gay:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-bgsI9XT05c
6
We used to call old fighters "punch-drunk" a lot of times. Looking back, they had brain damage, no doubt. And the more your head gets hit, the more likely it is to get you, obviously. So people comparing this with other sports, and with risk-taking while skiing, etc. are not exactly right in that we haven't seen and taken account of the damage, its nature, its severity, its actual probability of occurring in football players and boxers, too. Even little kids are playing football, and by the time they're old enough even to understand the risks, they have begun the process of damage. We need to know more, to publicize more, and to be sure that people like Brady really do understand the price they may pay, how long a time they may suffer, and their families too, when regret will do no good. I admire the sportscaster who quit.
5
CTE was found in 110 out of 111 brains of former professional football players. The damage to bodies and brains from this "sport" has been known for a log time. I think 60 Minutes did a segment on a retired football player, in his mid-40s, who could hardly get out of bed in the morning because of the pain -- from broken bones and multiple surgeries from neck to toes. This is a brutal sport -- America's version of Rome's Christians-and-lions sport. We go along with the recycling of lives as if people weren't really involved.
10
There is no clearer sign of brain damage than being a Donald Trump supporter.
26
It's Fall and the multitudes soon will invade my town's gym to enroll their boys in "manly" Pee Wee Football. High school kids are already playing, as well as the colleges.
Although I don't like football, I love ice hockey. Suppose I should quit my hypocrisy and try to like baseball, or is that bad too?
Although I don't like football, I love ice hockey. Suppose I should quit my hypocrisy and try to like baseball, or is that bad too?
Maybe this is why he supported Trump.
10
Quite frankly, I don't give a hoot about Tom Brady's brain. The evidence about the risks and consequences of repeated brain trauma suffered in football have been available for a long time. If he's stupid enough to keep playing in the face of such evidence, then he deserves the consequences.
6
So a team that has been caught cheating at least three times. (Snowplow Game, Cameragate, Deflategate), would cheat to keep their quarterback in the game.
Say it ain't so...
Say it ain't so...
5
As many have pointed out, football is the modern equivalent of the Roman coliseum, gladiators, etc. It brings out the worst. And sadly, all these concussions probably explain why Brady supports Trump.
8
Why I stopped watching football and basketball. It's because i consider them blood sports, not better than gladiators fighting to the death in the arena. I would also include cage fighting, although I've never watched any of that, so I didn't have to stop.
2
Too bad they just don't "convert" the game to flag football. Same game....just not the violence.
Ah....but then football games would be played to half empty stadiums (or worse) because the only reason many MANY "fans" go is to see the violence.
Just like hockey. Take the fighting out of hockey (real easy to do) and nobody would come.
So the NFL denied the link between football hits and CTE for as long as it could for financial reasons and nothing else.
The big question here should be....if the parents of school age kids allow their children to play tackle football should they be charged with child abuse (in some form). Football should die out on its own over a generation if today's parents do the right thing by their children.
Ah....but then football games would be played to half empty stadiums (or worse) because the only reason many MANY "fans" go is to see the violence.
Just like hockey. Take the fighting out of hockey (real easy to do) and nobody would come.
So the NFL denied the link between football hits and CTE for as long as it could for financial reasons and nothing else.
The big question here should be....if the parents of school age kids allow their children to play tackle football should they be charged with child abuse (in some form). Football should die out on its own over a generation if today's parents do the right thing by their children.
7
Sad to say, but isn't modern American football akin to the thrill ancient Roman fans experienced watching gladiators fighting to the death? There are deaths in football, but they're delayed by years. The fans, on their part, are addicted to the thrill of combat.
6
Sadly ... it's better TV entertainment then what's on hundreds of other channels. Meaning athletes competing ... not the head hunting hits.
Skills to play the game are undeniable ... appears so are life changing injuries.
Skills to play the game are undeniable ... appears so are life changing injuries.
1
The evidence that football causes CTE seems incontrovertible. However, I would like to see the incidence of CTE in non-football players or in people who played no contact sport. Unfortunately, since autopsies have virtually gone the route of the Dodo bird we will in all likelihood never know the answer to this. Non-smokers get lung cancer, but smokers get it at a much higher rate. From the incidence in these two groups we know the increased risk that smoking poses. However, since we do not know the incidence of CTE in non-contact-sport individuals we do not know the increased risk that contact sports play in causing CTE. That number may be relevant to some people as to whether to play a contact sport and if so, which one.
1
What makes NFL football so irresistible is the total immersion into the "Now." When the game is on, our attention is so focused on the immediate present and potential turning points that we can scarcely think of much else. For most of us, that is such a blessed relief. As soon as the game ends, the interest wanes so rapidly it's like post-partum depression. I'm sure that Tom Brady is caught up in the possibilities and is as much in awe of his own athleticism, strength, flexibility and guile as we are. Who wouldn't be? Giving that up is a VERY tall order. Like Muhammed Ali, Brady is an athlete for the ages, even when he becomes aged. Someday, we'll say, "he left it ALL on the field." Be happy. Be sad. That's life!
1
It's simple. If you are a parent and you love your son, don't let him start playing a sport that has a high risk of brain injury. Most sports don't. Baseball, basketball, tennis, golf, swimming, running, for example, all have much lower risk of brain injury than football or boxing. The big business of football will go on for a long time if not forever because there is too much money involved to stop it. As individuals none of us can derail that train, but we do have the power to protect our children.
9
Bruni's arrogance and intrusion here, along with other commenters, is stunning. What right have any of you to pass judgement on Brady? His health decisions and work decisions are his and his loved ones (i.e. those with whom he chooses to share them), and in consultation with his personal physician. Bruni, as an unabashed liberal elitist intellectual, believes he knows better (he certainly would tell you a women's abortion choice is no one else's business). So in answer to article's title question: No, Mr. Bruni, you have no business talking about Brady's brain. You can talk all you want about whether football is a safe sport, but it is none of your business as to whether Brady (or anyone else) choses to play football or not.
4
Jim Plunkett: sacked 380 times in his career
Tom Brady: sacked 417 times in his career
“My life sucks. It’s no fun being in this body right now. Everything hurts.” - Jim Plunkett, 2017
Tom Brady: sacked 417 times in his career
“My life sucks. It’s no fun being in this body right now. Everything hurts.” - Jim Plunkett, 2017
2
Virtually none of Plunkett's complaints have anything to do with CTE but rather knees, hips, and a thousand of other complaints any 70 year-old has.
1
Haven't we all had concussion years? I mean, come on now!
2
I couldn't care less about Tom Brady's brain. He and the Patriots organization are liars and cheats. They got away with deflategate when they should have been shut down. There is no excuse for that kind of cheating, particularly when he and the team are rolling in money. It's disgusting. Brady may be a good football player, but he is not a good man, and he is a destructive role model for kids and others. I don't wish him ill at all, but I also don't feel he's worth giving even 2 second's thought to. Just like Barry Bonds, Lance Armstrong, and now the Red Sox. Sick.
6
Instead of talking about one player's brain, please stop watching football on tv, going to high school or college games, and allowing your children to play.
Then let's make football illegal. It and boxing belong with gladiatorial contests--in the past.
Then let's make football illegal. It and boxing belong with gladiatorial contests--in the past.
7
Immediately prior to reading this article I saw a Facebook post from Tom Brady about his new TB12 product that helps you exercise your brain. Maybe he's thinking he's adding new synapses faster than the old ones are dying.
2
I am not concerned about what happens to Tom Brady in retirement. I do worry about American workers losing the opportunity to retire at all, and to enjoy more than a couple of years relaxing or having fun. Our elected officials (including Obama) who seriously discuss raising the retirement age ever higher, have evidently never spent time building a new roof, standing all day as a hair stylist, doing the heavy lifting and repetitive motion of a grocery clerk, or laying bricks. Our elected officials who propose raising the retirement age are ignoring the very real age discrimination, where the oldest staff member (let's say 60-62) is the first laid off, never to find another job, with no SS or medicare to get through several years in which a lifetime of savings can be depleted. Our elected officials who use longer life spans as the basis for raising the age of eligibility for SS and medicare have not looked at actuarial tables to see how disproportionate the age spans are across economic strata, and how those most in need of retirement benefits can least afford the postponement of collecting what they have earned. These old age problems are what keeps me awake at night. FRANK-- you can do better.
7
Muhammad Ali developed Parkinson's. That disease at the outset is not intellectual, rather, it's a movement disorder, and insidious, with subtle early symptoms.
2
His brain; his decision. The Pros know the risks. Where i worry is kids....
1
All of them should retire right now. The NFL should disband but it won't because >ka-ching<.
Whatever they're paying Tom Brady, it's not enough.
I feel bad for Ms. Bunchen. She must be scared to death.
Whatever they're paying Tom Brady, it's not enough.
I feel bad for Ms. Bunchen. She must be scared to death.
Fascinating read. I didn't realize that he even had a brain.
4
Frank, I must object to your use of " drooling in a cup" as a general description of brain injury. I am a Speech-Language Pathologist who works in rehabilitative medicine. We often refer to those with mild - severe brain injury " The walking wounded." They often look like you and me. Their disability is hidden and often down played by others because they look " normal." Hidden are the emotional and cognitive deficits which result from brain injury. Cognitive deficits are what you are equating with "intellect". The ability to plan, prepare and execute are higher level brain functions. Awareness and decision making are often impaired as well. Perhaps this is why Mr. Brady chooses to continue to play.
3
I must admit: I am glad somebody found it - Brady's Brain, that is. I thought it was lost and gone forever.....I bet it was deflated, that's why it was so hard to locate...........
1
Frank, I love your bon mots. "Ponce de León of the pectorals...." Hah!
1
On the contrary, Frank. I've given lots of thought to Tom Brady's brain. He supports Trump, doesn't he?
1
He has had concussions every year for perhaps the last 20-25 years?
1
Don't pity Tom Brady; pity the 99.9999% of amateurs who spend seven to ten years of their youth playing tackle football and don't end up with a supermodel wife and hundreds of millions of dollars. Dying or losing your mind late in life might be worth it under those otherwise pleasant conditions. There are professions where people risk life and limb daily for a whole lot less.
1
"Are you not entertained?!"
Based on science the damage is very much already done, sadly. More and more pro athletes are so well conditioned that they can go on into their 40s. Jaromir Jagr is still playing hockey at 45. The problem is football is unlike anything except boxing as far as the brain is concerned. The fact that they 'don't talk about it' speaks volumes. Regardless of how 'smart' or 'intellectual' a player appears on the field they can still have serious damage accumulating.
1
When Tom Brady retires from football, so will I.
3
I need to take a break from the whole football/industrial complex. It has become this toxic sludge of crypto-jingoistic, hyper-masculine groupthink. When you add in the ludicrous public investments in stadiums for billionaire owners and millionaire players, and then the (at least) reactionary and (maybe kind of) racist response to Colin Kaepernick, and then the concussions on top of it all -- I'm just tired of it.
2
Eventually a test for CTE will be developed for living people. When that day comes, and pro football and even college football players start to quit because they have been diagnosed, the institution of football will begin to crumble.
1
Given all the information out there, if grown men want to take the risk, for heaven's sake, let them. If Brady "drools into a cup" when he's 55, we'll, that's the way the cookie crumbles I guess. At least he should have sufficient funds for nursing home costs.
Tom Brady loves football, and, as you say, has given pleasure to millions of people, especially in this area of the country. He should continue playing as long as he wants to. He will likely not want to delve into mathematical logic or analytic philosophy when he retires.
If he develops some kind of brain disorder or dementia, which we are all subject to eventually, he can spend his time watching sports on television, even if he has a lot of remembering to do.
If he develops some kind of brain disorder or dementia, which we are all subject to eventually, he can spend his time watching sports on television, even if he has a lot of remembering to do.
1
Mr. Brady is an intelligent man who certainly knows the risks of the game. Much like those that take up smoking knowing the risks, I have little sympathy. I will certainly not stop watching.
1
No one talks about it because he is a grown man who is free to make his own decisions, regardless of whether Frank Bruni feels those decisions are risky. This isn't to say anything condescending about his choices or fans': we thankfully have the freedom to make a conscious choice regarding our employment (in his case) or entertainment (in ours). What is more objectifying than thinking we should make these decisions for others because we, in our elitist arrogance, know better?
No one would watch stock car racing, absent the anticipation of crashes. The National Hockey League backed off its crusade to eliminate fighting, because ticket sales declined accordingly. Football is not ALL about the brutality. But the caveman part of our brain lights up when we see the violence, and the more violence that can be allowed, legally, the more neurons light up, for most of us. The response is baked into the brain, especially for most young men. But, in our later decades, many of us begin to appreciate the artful parts of sports more than the violence.
1
Tom Brady wants to be rich. This wish allows him to ignore the obvious data that should lead him to believe that he will spend his post-football future "drooling into a cup".
1
First of, I don't watch football because I don't understand it, and am not interested either. I don't like players running around in the head gear that I can't see who is who. And I can never understand why players need to fall on top of each other and run into them and what not. These things have escaped me for many years now, and so I never watch it.
Sports is for athleticism, quickness, endurance, mental sharpness - and I think football perhaps needs to have its rules changed to not allow hitting or running into others that can cause serious injury or an injury that can manifest itself down the line. In this day and age, we don't need dangerous sports.
Change the rules.
Sports is for athleticism, quickness, endurance, mental sharpness - and I think football perhaps needs to have its rules changed to not allow hitting or running into others that can cause serious injury or an injury that can manifest itself down the line. In this day and age, we don't need dangerous sports.
Change the rules.
1
PRO FOOTBALL Players have way to much secondary gain, financial and otherwise, to give up their coveted jobs. Change is already happening with tackle football from the ground up. Younger children's parents are refusing to let them be exposed to injuring their brains. Eventually, junior and high schools will also prohibit football, soccer and other high impact sports. School staff, legally, act in loco parentis, meaning that they must provide the level of vigilance and care in preventing injury to the children tho attend the schools. If they fail to do that by permitting football, soccer and other dangerous games to continue, they leave themselves vulnerable to charges of physical and emotional child neglect and abuse. Children are accorded a higher level of protection than adults. Eventually, a child or children will be permanently disabled or will die from high impact sports and the district will be sued for large sums, in the 7 to 9 digit range. Schools are self-insuring. The taxpayers will be forced to face very steep tax increases to pay the damages caused by the schools that permitted kids to play dangerous sports when it was foreseeable that they would eventually be injured. Once taxpayers realize their vulnerability to multi-multi million dollar suits from families of athletes who are severely injured or die, they will ban such dangerous sports immediately. The change will be swift and overwhelming. Eventually professional teams will also be affected.
The Romans had their gladiators whose chant, "Nos moriamur te salutamis" [we who are about to die salute you] captures the glory and barbaric reality of human nature that in the incitement to riot at the behest of our political leaders leads to wars both pointless and endless now most horrifically obvious in Afghanistan. We are addicted to war and sport that sacrifices men in the primeval struggle to win and to survive in a never ending jungle of passion, dominance and contempt for the defeated. Football and war emerge from the human genome created by evolution leaving to the victor the spoils of war and violence. We humans have emerged as the most savage and clever of all predators in history. That we have created virtual warfare that does not immediately kill others but only maims them is a compromise that might slake our thirst for violent conquest but that seems not to be the case in a Nation that spends more on a military that utterly dwarfs all previous civilizations spending untold trillions to intimidate our enemies. To say that our survival has been based on a cruel and savage reality that to the victor go the spoils is a simple truth. Will we, can we behave differently amidst MAD, mutual assured destruction, in the rituals of contact sport? Apparently not...will some of us seek to live lives not so dominated? Apparently we do NOT have a choice, however, illusory for without violence as retribution we can have no peace. GO CHIEFS!!!
2
It's an immoral game. After decades of following it, I have quit cold turkey. Can't be a part of it anymore.
1
Professional Football is the only industry in which retired employees are killing themselves in such a way to preserve their brain for examination to determine if they got CTE from their line of work. The NFL is the only employer that has aggressively sought possession of a former players (employees) brain after suicide. After Junior Seau committed suicide, the league muscled aside independent researchers, ignored a previous commitment to Boston University and directed Seau's brain to the National Institutes of Health (http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/frontline/article/in-brawl-for-seau-brain-a-prox.... What did they find? Junior Seau had CTE. What other result did they expect given the line of work? Doesn't anyone in the NFL find this ghoulish? Name another line of work or industry where this happens?
1
Well, coal mining is known to be dangerous (cave-ins, fires, etc.) and have long-term health effects. Yet our President is not only championing it, he's also reducing contributions to the Black Lung Fund.
Tom Brady knows exactly what he is doing to his head and his body. After reading this memorable NYT article from 2015 (https://www.nytimes.com/2015/02/01/magazine/tom-brady-cannot-stop.html), the line that stuck with me was "Brady is bent on nothing less than subverting the standard expectations of how long a superstar quarterback can play like one." This is why he does what he does, even at the cost of his brain later on in life. Truly, he cannot stop, nor can Gisele stop him, nor the rest of us.
2
Years ago, I gave-up on boxing because I couldn't justify supporting such an obviously dangerous sport. I've come to think of American Football the same way.
5
It's really very simple. If people stopped supporting the NFL by going to its games and watching them on television, then professional football would die the death it at this point deserves.
Love of money is the root of all evil. Nowhere is that more true than with the owners of professional football teams.
Love of money is the root of all evil. Nowhere is that more true than with the owners of professional football teams.
1
Great thought, but tough to do, especially when the author of the article states "My team is the Denver Broncos."
The bottom line is that NFL owners are out to make as much money as possible at the expense of the players health. It's no different than the gladiators in the coliseum. As long as the public supports it, it will continue. As far as Brady, at this point after so many concussions, it's moot whether he plays another season. He obviously loves the game. I just hope his kids play another sport. Obrigado, Tom
I think the whole concussion thing, with Brady and concussions, is a totally made up thing by teams that lost. It's like the Rusher thing, with Trump and Rusher. (Good Lord, who, in his right mind, talks like that?) I know, the current so-called president. Houston, we have a problem!
1
Good analysis...though I'm not so sure football is that much different than other high-risk sports like...say...high-altitude mountaineering or base-jumping. We should definitely ensure it it safe for kids but at the professional level there is a risk-reward calculus we all do. The players have been advised of the risk, done the math, and determined it's worth it to them. Short of making tackle football illegal what exactly can...or should...be done?
1
American football and the danger playing it poses to the human body and brain?
American football is without question dangerous. But for many people, not to mention the players playing it, the rewards monetary, of honor, of pride, personal accomplishment--an exalted life--outweigh the dangers. Asking the question, as many in society today do, whether football should be allowed to be played because of the dangers posed is to ask in wider context the philosophical question of whether any form of risky behavior and/or thought should be allowed in society. Probably, if we go by history, lives of artists, scientists, explorers, figures from sports, figures from business,--all great accomplishment--we can say the heights of accomplishment have been difficult to separate from the concept of great risk equals great reward.
In modern society many people seem to believe the entire opposite, that great accomplishment can exist without great risk. Or at least in modern society there seems to be quite a bit of pressure to lead a life of low risk rather than high risk. In fact we seem bent on stopping people from leading high risk lives whether this means their acting in the first place or playing down exceptional accomplishments arrived at by high risk behavior. The real question though is whether great accomplishment must be accomplished at great risk or whether high accomplishment can exist by low risk and whether low risk behavior no matter result leads to just boredom.
American football is without question dangerous. But for many people, not to mention the players playing it, the rewards monetary, of honor, of pride, personal accomplishment--an exalted life--outweigh the dangers. Asking the question, as many in society today do, whether football should be allowed to be played because of the dangers posed is to ask in wider context the philosophical question of whether any form of risky behavior and/or thought should be allowed in society. Probably, if we go by history, lives of artists, scientists, explorers, figures from sports, figures from business,--all great accomplishment--we can say the heights of accomplishment have been difficult to separate from the concept of great risk equals great reward.
In modern society many people seem to believe the entire opposite, that great accomplishment can exist without great risk. Or at least in modern society there seems to be quite a bit of pressure to lead a life of low risk rather than high risk. In fact we seem bent on stopping people from leading high risk lives whether this means their acting in the first place or playing down exceptional accomplishments arrived at by high risk behavior. The real question though is whether great accomplishment must be accomplished at great risk or whether high accomplishment can exist by low risk and whether low risk behavior no matter result leads to just boredom.
4
Well put. As a born and raised member of Patriots Nation I'm starting to feel guilty about even watching the game. As you infer, we want Touchdown Tommy to be able to remember his glory as we will.
1
While I'm not a football fan, these are grown-up men who have enough information to make decisions that are right for them and for their families.
Anything else is a nanny state.
If only the care for these football players, who are making choices for themselves, and who make millions of dollars a year, could extend to children at risk of starvation around the world. And so on.
Anything else is a nanny state.
If only the care for these football players, who are making choices for themselves, and who make millions of dollars a year, could extend to children at risk of starvation around the world. And so on.
5
Brady is not the best example, by far, of a player who is at risk for concussions. If you've watched him play (as I have too many times), you'll see that compared to other players, his brain is rarely "jarred" or "slammed to the turf." He's very good at avoiding hits, and when he is hit it is usually in his upper/lower body, not his head. Of course the head will follow to some degree but he's at much lower risk than most other players, simply because of how he plays (compare that to Cam Newton, of the Carolina Panthers, who throws his body into almost every play and suffers physical punishment regularly).
Wide receivers sustain very hard hits on a regular basis. So too do defensive backs, who try to outdo each other in how hard they tackle an opposing player.
Tom Brady isn't stupid, and isn't playing for glory. He knows exactly what he is doing, and if he thought he would end up being a vegetable, he would walk away in a second. He lives his life in a very smart way - something very few others do.
Wide receivers sustain very hard hits on a regular basis. So too do defensive backs, who try to outdo each other in how hard they tackle an opposing player.
Tom Brady isn't stupid, and isn't playing for glory. He knows exactly what he is doing, and if he thought he would end up being a vegetable, he would walk away in a second. He lives his life in a very smart way - something very few others do.
7
Denial is powerful, especially you can only see the ups, not the downs, in front of you.
2
Without the sheer brutality of the "sport," most fans would leave for another that tortures humans. Golf too. It has other risks just as life threatening, like not being able to see your feet because of your waistline or losing your keen ability to hear the grass grow. For millions of dollars, fame and fortune, people will do anything and pay to watch too. Ask Sarpedon.
Tom Brady is old enough to make his own decisions.
I worry about the little boys who play organized kiddie football at our local sports parks. With their gigantic helmets on tiny bodies, they resemble a sea of drunken tadpoles banging into each other. The parents talk about sports scholarships, but it seems crazy that these children start scrambling their brains in early childhood.
I worry about the little boys who play organized kiddie football at our local sports parks. With their gigantic helmets on tiny bodies, they resemble a sea of drunken tadpoles banging into each other. The parents talk about sports scholarships, but it seems crazy that these children start scrambling their brains in early childhood.
9
Where was Frank Bruni when it came for urging Ali to stop boxing? Everyone has known for decades about boxers becoming "punch drunk" and nobody says "boo".
4
Tom Brady's brain isn't on my mind because unlike most NFL players, he's filthy rich and with his wife, will be for some time into the future. Who I worry about are the people who aren't making Tom Brady's check and will have the same injuries and ailments. Those people will retire into obscurity, pain, and loneliness, Tom Brady will retire into his mansion, millions in endorsements, perhaps a commentators gig, and his wife's arms. The only thing I wonder is if Gisele will stay once Tom starts exhibiting major symptoms.
2
I realized quite a long time ago that it takes intelligence to be successful, regardless of your field of endeavor. Weight lifters. Kindergarten teachers. Auto mechanics. You name it; to truly excell over the course of a long career (I realize that "long" means different things in different fields) requires intelligence.
Mr. Bruni's view of this issue, along with the view of most NYT commenters, is built on a set of values that is certainly not shared by everyone: most prominently, an assumption that your life is a tragedy unless you experience a comfortable, gradual fade into retired old age.
I do not share this assumption. I see little value or big-picture happiness in fading out comfortably while retaining the ability to do crossword puzzles. If I am gifted with the opportunity to achieve something significant, even at the cost of spending myself earlier in life, I will seize that opportunity without regret.
That is one reason why I'm a firefighter, in spite of the day-to-day occupational hazard and the startling rates of cancer among retired firefighters.
In the eyes of most humans (if not of most NYT commenters), the glory an athlete achieves in victorious competition -- for himself, for his parents, his hometown, his team's city -- is inherently valuable. Those who would paint this as a dumbed-down American thing should study history. In ancient Greece, for example, Olympic victors were honored by their hometowns with specially composed songs of praise and a lifelong public stipend.
Nor does the value of athletic achievement depend on its supposedly intellectual aspects. I leave you with the words of Laodamas, from the 8th book of Homer's Odyssey:
"...there is no greater glory for a man, long as he may live,
than that which he achieves by his own hands and feet."
I do not share this assumption. I see little value or big-picture happiness in fading out comfortably while retaining the ability to do crossword puzzles. If I am gifted with the opportunity to achieve something significant, even at the cost of spending myself earlier in life, I will seize that opportunity without regret.
That is one reason why I'm a firefighter, in spite of the day-to-day occupational hazard and the startling rates of cancer among retired firefighters.
In the eyes of most humans (if not of most NYT commenters), the glory an athlete achieves in victorious competition -- for himself, for his parents, his hometown, his team's city -- is inherently valuable. Those who would paint this as a dumbed-down American thing should study history. In ancient Greece, for example, Olympic victors were honored by their hometowns with specially composed songs of praise and a lifelong public stipend.
Nor does the value of athletic achievement depend on its supposedly intellectual aspects. I leave you with the words of Laodamas, from the 8th book of Homer's Odyssey:
"...there is no greater glory for a man, long as he may live,
than that which he achieves by his own hands and feet."
2
He might as well keep going. The damage has surely already been done.
We, the spectators, are captive to the circus and its game-science, but it is our gladiators who love their brand of physicality and mental toughness. Champions to the test, they are devotees to their ball, bat, and body with some playing instruments that tame ocean and mountain.
The pureness of sport rests on an athelete's love of the battle and for a life of training. Nothing should be taken away; and nothing could be taken away.
It is the contest that has failed their pure intensions. The sale of the spectacle is the benefactors' competion, so we have "blood sport", and worse of all, we have "celebrity sport".
A transition from the young man's contest is inevitable. Is Tom Brady taking unacceptable risks with his next potential? That requires a 2-part answer that only Mr. Brady knows.
The siren of "celebrity" and the adrenilene for "blood" must be addressed by the parents of young minds. Ideally, children transition in to acceptable risks, and young adults will transition on to next potentials.
So, now let's get to the real business at hand: "Spectator, heal thy self".
The pureness of sport rests on an athelete's love of the battle and for a life of training. Nothing should be taken away; and nothing could be taken away.
It is the contest that has failed their pure intensions. The sale of the spectacle is the benefactors' competion, so we have "blood sport", and worse of all, we have "celebrity sport".
A transition from the young man's contest is inevitable. Is Tom Brady taking unacceptable risks with his next potential? That requires a 2-part answer that only Mr. Brady knows.
The siren of "celebrity" and the adrenilene for "blood" must be addressed by the parents of young minds. Ideally, children transition in to acceptable risks, and young adults will transition on to next potentials.
So, now let's get to the real business at hand: "Spectator, heal thy self".
When you look at photos of football's early days they had very little equipment. Today's football player is so geared up it gives them a false sense of security. Maybe the answer is to lessen the equipment so the hits are also lessened. These men are being destroyed for money, it's not right.
1
I was happy when one of my favorite players, Marshawn Lynch, retired from the game early. I just wanted his wonderful brain to be safe. I'm an old mom type and basically, I want all these "kids" to be safe. I've loved football all my life, but after reading Gladwell and watching Will Smith's outstanding move, Concussion, I am sure that there is a lot more we need to know and must know about the risks of this sport. A lot of damage occurs even without the concussion, it's the repeated hard hits that are the essence of football, and it starts when the players are very young, in high school years.
The athleticism of football, its brutal and yet ballet-like quality, the drama of the game, the cliffhangers the sudden upsets, the stoicism of the players and coaches; it is truly an American game. Sometimes, listening to an close game on the radio, we've had to pull off the highway from the adrenaline. I can't imagine what it would be like to actually be an athlete of that caliber. However, I don't follow the game anymore. I can't watch my beloved Seahawks. I want them to all retire early. And I wish Tom and Peyton would too.
The athleticism of football, its brutal and yet ballet-like quality, the drama of the game, the cliffhangers the sudden upsets, the stoicism of the players and coaches; it is truly an American game. Sometimes, listening to an close game on the radio, we've had to pull off the highway from the adrenaline. I can't imagine what it would be like to actually be an athlete of that caliber. However, I don't follow the game anymore. I can't watch my beloved Seahawks. I want them to all retire early. And I wish Tom and Peyton would too.
Not that it invalidates your points, but you really need to stay current. Peyton Manning retired after the 2015 season, while Lynch is the starting running back for the Oakland Raiders now.
The Canadian Football League has concussions. But they are far fewer than the NFL. Football always has been a tough game. How tough, and how dangerous, depends on the rules and the coaching. In the NFL those variables encourage big hits. In Canada the field is bigger and the style of play more wide open. Fewer cheap shots, fewer defenseless hits, more incentive to just tackle the guy and bring him down, rather than blast him and know that more defenders are nearby in case he manages to stay upright.
3
When I played high school football many, many years ago, my coach would have asked what I was thinking if I had run across the field at full speed, simply and dangerously, to smash into a player instead of putting what he considered a good block on the unfortunate player. This kind of harm must be stopped: first time out of game and a fine; second time a BIG fine and suspension. Same with head to head hits. Unless the NFL gets serious about this sort of thing, it will continue and fans will drift away as a consequence; not to mention the carnage to the players.
2
I was a huge football fan all my life. I thought it would be difficult to stop watching. It is easier than I expected.
I still avidly watch baseball, basketball, and soccer. But none of these have the gladiatorial aspects of football: to quote a recent article on the sport, "If you look at any of the hits where a player was significantly injured, you can be sure that the crowd went crazy."
Yes, it is the quintessential American sport.
Enough already.
I still avidly watch baseball, basketball, and soccer. But none of these have the gladiatorial aspects of football: to quote a recent article on the sport, "If you look at any of the hits where a player was significantly injured, you can be sure that the crowd went crazy."
Yes, it is the quintessential American sport.
Enough already.
6
I often think about this lately in regard to our beloved QB, Russell Wilson. I don't want to see this beautiful man, father, husband, become one of these awful casualties. As he makes more connections and inroads into the world of business, I hope he is thinking along the same lines. Treason, I know, but I can't help it. He has so much more to give the world than football.
3
"There isn’t a stronger drumbeat for him to retire mostly because he gives so many spectators so much pleasure."
Pleasure. That's the operative word in that quote. And it's just that, the hypnotic pleasure, delight, enjoyment we feel rooting for our favorite team and participating in the activities surrounding this sport like tailgating and letting go of our adult confines yelling and screaming like children with a stadium full of like minded others that keeps many of of us dyed in the wool fans from acknowledging there's a problem. It's a respite.
Therefore, to acknowledge that what we're actually doing is supporting a violent sport that causes harm means giving up those, albeit selfish, life-enhancing benefits. And that's also most likely what keeps us in denial about the brains that are being tossed around under the helmets (we want to believe are sufficiently protective).
That said, It's an irony that this sport which releases pleasurable feel good chemicals from our own spectator brains is at the same time causing irreparable damage to the brains of those providing those good feelings. And that creates a conundrum I personally have yet to resolve.
Pleasure. That's the operative word in that quote. And it's just that, the hypnotic pleasure, delight, enjoyment we feel rooting for our favorite team and participating in the activities surrounding this sport like tailgating and letting go of our adult confines yelling and screaming like children with a stadium full of like minded others that keeps many of of us dyed in the wool fans from acknowledging there's a problem. It's a respite.
Therefore, to acknowledge that what we're actually doing is supporting a violent sport that causes harm means giving up those, albeit selfish, life-enhancing benefits. And that's also most likely what keeps us in denial about the brains that are being tossed around under the helmets (we want to believe are sufficiently protective).
That said, It's an irony that this sport which releases pleasurable feel good chemicals from our own spectator brains is at the same time causing irreparable damage to the brains of those providing those good feelings. And that creates a conundrum I personally have yet to resolve.
5
For me, there's no conundrum. I stoped watching pro and college football a long time ago. There are plenty of other ways to find pleasure,
3
Emonda, What you are doing is noble. And you are right there are many other ways to find pleasure. Yet, It's sadly unrealistic to expect a sufficient number of others to follow your path and make a difference, and that's also due to the fact that it's a highly lucrative sport for many including the players themselves.
I played running back on the Stanford teams of the late sixties. Fortunately,
I lacked whatever it took to play in the NFL and went on to other things
after a month in the rookie camp of the Cowboys. Some of my less fortunate highly drafted and rightfully lauded teammates anxiously fear that the other shoe is about to drop from the beatings they took over the years playing professional football and that they are headed for a memory unit in an assisted living facility. My famous teammates are spectacular people owing their athletic success as much to their intelligence and character as to anything else; all of us experienced a level of physical trauma on a routine basis that is simply unacceptable, knowing what we know now. I grieve for my friends and from time to time worry about myself; as unimaginable as it once seemed, American football should not be played.
I lacked whatever it took to play in the NFL and went on to other things
after a month in the rookie camp of the Cowboys. Some of my less fortunate highly drafted and rightfully lauded teammates anxiously fear that the other shoe is about to drop from the beatings they took over the years playing professional football and that they are headed for a memory unit in an assisted living facility. My famous teammates are spectacular people owing their athletic success as much to their intelligence and character as to anything else; all of us experienced a level of physical trauma on a routine basis that is simply unacceptable, knowing what we know now. I grieve for my friends and from time to time worry about myself; as unimaginable as it once seemed, American football should not be played.
1
brady is a big boy who can make his own decisions. Instead of concern for him and his fellow millionaires focus on middle and high school players as well as those in college. they run real risks while the chance of becoming a millionaire playing football is a dim dream. Meanwhile owners get richer off the idiots who buy their junk and taxpayers who build them stadiums.
3
Hey the evidence is irrefutable. Football carries a radically high risk of traumatic brain injury. At this point, if players and fans are willing to disregard the evidence, so be it. They're grown ups making their own choices. There's no sense in worrying more about someone else's health than they do.
But I've given up on football for another reason. It's become so regulated with refs watching replays and debating about where elbows and asses are crossing planes and intersecting knees and masks -- while we suffer through the magic of extreme slow motion -- that the flow of the game is all but destroyed.
But I've given up on football for another reason. It's become so regulated with refs watching replays and debating about where elbows and asses are crossing planes and intersecting knees and masks -- while we suffer through the magic of extreme slow motion -- that the flow of the game is all but destroyed.
2
Most every job has risks.
The stresses of many, including 'desk jobs', cause things like hypertension with can lead to all kinds of nasty things like organ failure and ultimately, death.
Coal mining sucks. Do it long enough and it will kill you.
Firemen, cops. Big risk jobs.
People are born with certain talents, from which they develop skillsets, which hopefully lead to gainful employment and a reasonably comfortable and happy life.
In the end we all die of something.
Ce la vie!
The stresses of many, including 'desk jobs', cause things like hypertension with can lead to all kinds of nasty things like organ failure and ultimately, death.
Coal mining sucks. Do it long enough and it will kill you.
Firemen, cops. Big risk jobs.
People are born with certain talents, from which they develop skillsets, which hopefully lead to gainful employment and a reasonably comfortable and happy life.
In the end we all die of something.
Ce la vie!
2
Yes, serious athletes understand the physical risk involved with the sport of their choice, especially football. They gamble against the odds, hoping to win the wealth, fame, and everlasting glory instead of burning out too quickly, before their star has reached its zenith.
But accepting a lifetime of aches and pains is one thing and losing one's mental capacity through repeated brain damage is another. Sure, the argument could be made that it's only logical to look at two teams smashing their heads into one another over and over and realize there will be some residual effects, but the same could be said for our grandparents, who sucked cigarette smoke into their lungs like oxygen, yet were largely ignorant of the danger.
We, humans, tend to err on the side of invincibility and trust. We trust that something wouldn't be allowed if it were truly deadly and, just in case an honest mistake had been made, it wouldn't happen to us anyway. Despite the fact that we're well aware of the risks of smoking, countless Americans light up daily, unable to resist the siren call of the cigarette. We'll do the same for football.
As Americans, we're free to make our own decisions regarding our personal safety: play in the street, pet strange dogs, carry a gun, eat from questionable-smelling restaurants. We should heed the obvious warning signs, but the freedom to be stupid is pure Americana.
Tom Brady has chosen to risk a future of drooling for his current life of glory. Good for him.
But accepting a lifetime of aches and pains is one thing and losing one's mental capacity through repeated brain damage is another. Sure, the argument could be made that it's only logical to look at two teams smashing their heads into one another over and over and realize there will be some residual effects, but the same could be said for our grandparents, who sucked cigarette smoke into their lungs like oxygen, yet were largely ignorant of the danger.
We, humans, tend to err on the side of invincibility and trust. We trust that something wouldn't be allowed if it were truly deadly and, just in case an honest mistake had been made, it wouldn't happen to us anyway. Despite the fact that we're well aware of the risks of smoking, countless Americans light up daily, unable to resist the siren call of the cigarette. We'll do the same for football.
As Americans, we're free to make our own decisions regarding our personal safety: play in the street, pet strange dogs, carry a gun, eat from questionable-smelling restaurants. We should heed the obvious warning signs, but the freedom to be stupid is pure Americana.
Tom Brady has chosen to risk a future of drooling for his current life of glory. Good for him.
Who denies anyone the freedom to play football? Not Frank Bruni.
As bad as CTE is for players, we forget that there are a lot other life-changing injuries football players suffer (more than any other sport). Jim Plunkett recently lamented that "my life is hell" because of the 18 surgeries he has to undergo because of the sport. There are lineman who cannot get out of bed at 50 because their knees are shot. The average life expectancy of many football players is less than the rest of the population in general because many put on lots of extra weight to compete (average weight of a player is about 100 lbs more today than 30 years ago). Getting rid of that weight is not easy, especially when they have basically spent a lot of their lives eating large amounts of food and cutting down is hard when you appetite has been trained to eat more leading to a compromised quality of life and higher risks of cancer and heart disease. In order to "win," the game has so perverted itself from what it once was that it is hard to appreciate it anymore.
We can thank, in part, the NFL highlights which glorified the "HITS" as much as the great runs and passes.
We can thank, in part, the NFL highlights which glorified the "HITS" as much as the great runs and passes.
2
A few weeks ago the New York Times published a piece about how 111 brains of deceased NFL'ers were examined and 110 suffered from CTE, Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy? This is not a sport. It is barbarity.
People who attend the games, watch them on TV or cover them in the newspapers perpetuate this activity and are, therefor, complicit in the harm that this barbarity causes.
Stop covering it, stop watching it, and especially don't let your kids take part in it. Hopefully it will go away.
Bullfighting and cock-fighting are illegal in this country because they are bad for the animals? This activity is deadly to humans. Why is this okay?
.
People who attend the games, watch them on TV or cover them in the newspapers perpetuate this activity and are, therefor, complicit in the harm that this barbarity causes.
Stop covering it, stop watching it, and especially don't let your kids take part in it. Hopefully it will go away.
Bullfighting and cock-fighting are illegal in this country because they are bad for the animals? This activity is deadly to humans. Why is this okay?
.
117
They were only submitted because they exhibited symptoms before their deaths. There have been thousands of ex-players that have died in the same time period who showed NO symptoms and therefore their brains were not submitted. Do statistics much?
2
I guess it begs the question: If the birds could talk and told us "Yes, I want to play in the Professional Cock Fighting League and receive a contract for 10 Million a year", would we still have a problem with cock fighting?
I realize the comparison is ridiculous, but I guess the point is, who are we to say someone can't play (what at this point and time is considered) a sport, even if they want to, simply because there is risk of injury.
Then again, money is a strong motivator. I'm sure there are a lot of people who would chop off a limb for 10M a year.
I realize the comparison is ridiculous, but I guess the point is, who are we to say someone can't play (what at this point and time is considered) a sport, even if they want to, simply because there is risk of injury.
Then again, money is a strong motivator. I'm sure there are a lot of people who would chop off a limb for 10M a year.
2
Hey, if people want to play and other people want to watch it's not my business to disallow it. Go do it.
That said, when these players get brain damage, the spectators, the people who pay to see them play, the people who make money off this like the TV stations, the advertisers, the newspapers and magazines, not to mention the Number One beneficiary, the NFL, are complicit in the resulting injury.
That said, when these players get brain damage, the spectators, the people who pay to see them play, the people who make money off this like the TV stations, the advertisers, the newspapers and magazines, not to mention the Number One beneficiary, the NFL, are complicit in the resulting injury.
2
I am not worried about the professionals that play the sport. They get their glory, their money and then they pay a price commiserate with the reward. The kids that play from pee-wee until high school do worry me. They get nothing for their sacrifice. We need to insure their safety and if that means no football then so be it.
4
Maybe one guy to study is Archie Manning. No one took a bigger beating in his career than Archie, but he remains sharp and has an active career in broadcasting and the Manning Academy (not to mention all those game interviews for Peyton and Eli) -- clearly, his brain is intact. Let's hope Tom, like Archie, lacks the vulnerability to brain trauma.
2
Football players with the intelligence and athletic skill to succeed in the NFL are exposed to its inherent risks as children in Pop Warner football programs for pree-teen boys. They participate with the full complicity of their parents. Being minors, their parents are their agent- custodians who later approve their choice of colleges and the full scholarships they are given to risk their brains in years of NCAA and NFL football.
Their putative protectors have comoditized their child athletes. These elite players understand that for 25 yeats they are one injury away from being discarded and replaced by another still healthy star just a few years younger.
The American dilemma is that unless football for all age and all skill levels is eliminated beginning with pop Warner programs, there will always be a new generation of football gladiators ready to sacrifice themselves in the N FL and elite NCAA colleges.
Our addiction to this obscenely profitable blood sport depends on child athlete endagerment. Only American mothers and fathers have the power to eliminate the supply of elite NFL players. If parents refuse to be complicit in training their superbly talented child athletes , the NCAA and the NFL must necessarily fade away. Those whose fortunes depend on the NFL and the NCAA are too politically powerful to expect that any sort of government regulation can solve the problem.
Their putative protectors have comoditized their child athletes. These elite players understand that for 25 yeats they are one injury away from being discarded and replaced by another still healthy star just a few years younger.
The American dilemma is that unless football for all age and all skill levels is eliminated beginning with pop Warner programs, there will always be a new generation of football gladiators ready to sacrifice themselves in the N FL and elite NCAA colleges.
Our addiction to this obscenely profitable blood sport depends on child athlete endagerment. Only American mothers and fathers have the power to eliminate the supply of elite NFL players. If parents refuse to be complicit in training their superbly talented child athletes , the NCAA and the NFL must necessarily fade away. Those whose fortunes depend on the NFL and the NCAA are too politically powerful to expect that any sort of government regulation can solve the problem.
51
I think it is child abuse when you allow your young child to play ,knowing very well with all the hard hits to skull what it can do to their brain years later
Football is one of the things that bleeding heart liberals just don't get. Violence is part of many people's nature. Football, like boxing and martial arts, is a legitimate channel for such a nature. Quit your bellyaching and realize that
some people need such an outlet.
some people need such an outlet.
1
Boxing has declined dramatically in my lifetime. Football will go the way of gladiatorial combat.
Here is likely what has been happening inside Tom Brady's helmet since he was ten years old: https://vimeo.com/230696433
The NFL's staunch resistance to the emerging research and danger to players is the issue, not any one player's decision to keep playing. You've got a commissioner making $30 million-plus a year -- of course he's gonna fight the science like RJ Reynolds denies cancer!
But let's stop looking for new reasons to whack poor Brady (a victim in another way of the NFL's denial of science). He's just a jock who wants to keep playing.
But let's stop looking for new reasons to whack poor Brady (a victim in another way of the NFL's denial of science). He's just a jock who wants to keep playing.
2
Don't you think its strange that we continue to play a sport with known risks rather than changing the sport to reduce the risks? When helmets are worn, the head becomes a weapon. Take off the helmets and shoulder pads and let the players discover ways to compete standing up and stop smashing their heads. Duh!
2
At this point watching football is like watching someone choke down a carton of cigarettes for your pleasure. It's just not worth it.
1
Gisele Bündchen may find it interesting to know what it is like to live with a former NFL player who has CTE:
An interview with Cyndy Feasel, author of After the Cheering Stops https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/cte-interview-cyndy-feasel-author-after-c...
An interview with Cyndy Feasel, author of After the Cheering Stops https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/cte-interview-cyndy-feasel-author-after-c...
4
If you want to write about concussions, CTE and the NFL, you might pick a player who routinely bashes his helmeted head against another. Tom Brady is probably the least-concussed player in the league.
4
Everything in America is discardable in the pursuit of short term pleasure and profit.
1
What Tom Brady or any other adult football player does is up to them. What kids, youth coaches, and parents see at the NCAA and NFL level and then attempt to apply to youth sports is of great concern. Repetitive hits to the head are not good no matter what the sport or activity, whether they are termed "concussive" or "subconcussive." See "Sport and Sex-Specific Reporting Trends in the Epidemiology of Concussions Sustained by High School Athletes" and “Structural, Functional, and Metabolic Brain Markers Differentiate Collision versus Contact and Non-Contact Athletes” Look at the data for Moonbounce (Inflatable Amusements), ATV accidents, and extreme sports.
On a different note, when discussing Brady’s diet and injury prevention techniques, you imply that these are only valid for neck down and ask, “But what about Brady from the neck up?” Proper nutrition and training is most important for the neck up!
On a different note, when discussing Brady’s diet and injury prevention techniques, you imply that these are only valid for neck down and ask, “But what about Brady from the neck up?” Proper nutrition and training is most important for the neck up!
I have many brothers and nephews, none of whom has ever played football because the lawyer-brother deemed it too dangerous early on. However, they all played, and still play rugby. All of them have suffered concussions, broken parts of all sorts, and, now that the brothers are in their 50s and 60s, they have had to have knees, hips and shoulders replaced. The lawyer,
too. And still they play, and then coach, when they can't move fast enough to catch the youngsters anymore.
Contact sports are dangerous, that's probably why they play, don't you think? Apparently, being male requires you to "prove how tough you are" at whatever cost. Silly of me to worry, that's what they say!
too. And still they play, and then coach, when they can't move fast enough to catch the youngsters anymore.
Contact sports are dangerous, that's probably why they play, don't you think? Apparently, being male requires you to "prove how tough you are" at whatever cost. Silly of me to worry, that's what they say!
1
Here is another irony. Brady and Bundchen live less than five miles from Boston University where they are the research institution on traumatic brain disorders caused by football concussions. In July, BU scientists released a study where they had examined over 200 brains of deceased NFL payers and only one brain (only one) showed no sign of encephalopathy. Again, just one brain was deemed healthy out of over 200 brains.
It is not a question any longer of whether or not Tom Brady has concussion induced encephalopathy from playing football...he does. The question is how will it manifest and impact Brady and his family in the years to come.
It is not a question any longer of whether or not Tom Brady has concussion induced encephalopathy from playing football...he does. The question is how will it manifest and impact Brady and his family in the years to come.
2
What a great column. The billionaires of the NFL are in such a pickle over this.
1
The NFL will always be able to recruit players willing to risk brain damage because the paychecks are so big. But, as the information about brain damage in football reaches to the high school and middle school, and parents see that their kids, who will not make it to the pro level, are at risk, maybe the sport will take a hit in popularity. Youth may start to think it's uncool, an unwise decision. This could slowly degrade the sport to be something like boxing in about 20 years.
2
How many people would willingly play Russian roulette if the pay off were $10M? More, perhaps, than you think.
3
I am glad I am not the parent of a child wanting to play football. They would hate me, I would say no to football, you only have one brain. When 21 year old football players commit suicide and researchers confirm the brain injury after death. Give it a few more years and studies, parents may end the sport.
Does Tom Brady have the right to make decisions for himself, or are his decisions the property of those who like to tell everyone how to lead their lives?
3
I'm always suspect when I hear about a magical diet or exercise regiment. Usually sustained physical prowess that seems too good to be true is too good to be true. Avocado ice cream is like a slang term for every performance enhancing drug you can imagine. I'm not saying Tom Brady is breaking any rules but you know he pushes the limit as far as the NFL will allow. Perhaps even slightly beyond. The Patriots conduct in general, and inflate-gate in particular, give us no reason to doubt the questionable morals embedded within the organization.
That's not Brady's real problem though. Neither is brain damage yet. Brady is addicted to the game. Brady is to football as a junkie is to heroin. He might not cheat to win but he'd cheat just to keep playing. No amount of mental studies will ever talk him off the drug. Brett Farve was the same way. His mind couldn't give up on the game until his body literally gave up on him. Not all football players suffer this affliction. Not even on the professional level. For most, it's a job. It's a gig. It's a professional endeavor. You play the game. There are highs and lows. When your time is up though, you move on and hope you're body is the exception to the statistic.
Not so with Brady. If doctors told him concussions would improve his completion rate, he'd be outside banging his head against the pavement. If you're really concerned about his brain, perhaps you should consider an intervention.
That's not Brady's real problem though. Neither is brain damage yet. Brady is addicted to the game. Brady is to football as a junkie is to heroin. He might not cheat to win but he'd cheat just to keep playing. No amount of mental studies will ever talk him off the drug. Brett Farve was the same way. His mind couldn't give up on the game until his body literally gave up on him. Not all football players suffer this affliction. Not even on the professional level. For most, it's a job. It's a gig. It's a professional endeavor. You play the game. There are highs and lows. When your time is up though, you move on and hope you're body is the exception to the statistic.
Not so with Brady. If doctors told him concussions would improve his completion rate, he'd be outside banging his head against the pavement. If you're really concerned about his brain, perhaps you should consider an intervention.
1
NFL teams are 70% black, as middle class families steer their sons away from football, that percentage will only increase. It's time for the players union to step up and demand rule changes and appropriate life long health care and compensation for their members.
2
Well, enough is enough for me. No more watching football. And this is from a life time Giant fan. Let's see if I can stick with this pledge. Note, my wife doesn't like, understand the game, so won't need to worry about her turning on the games. But my kids living nearby, they won't stop.
Football is as American as guns. And if we as a country are loathe to control something as lethal as guns, what is the likelihood of football disappearing as a sport? Perhaps the best we can hope for is that the player's union will insist on more neurological testing and that a player will be medically retired if he shows signs of damage. Otherwise, they are adults and they know the risks.
1
The money these players makes is more important to them than their brain function in later years. It is a personal choice, pure and simple. The evidence of brain trauma from a concussion has been around for years. How many parents have worried about their kid when they get into a accident doing just basic kid stuff and they get a concussion? These players know exactly what they are doing and they are closing the money. $ or their brain? It is to bad that children continue to play this sport, when parents knowingly put them in harm's way. That is the real tragedy.
By all means let's regulate football. Let's also stop heading in soccer, eliminate the excessively hard ball in lacrosse, and also, I'm very concerned about pedestrians in NYC being hit by bicycles. Or, let adults be adults and choose their own fate and make their own poor decisions, such as rooting for the Broncos.
1
What these players are suffering, with football-caused brain injury, is no different than any other occupational injury or disease. Their work causes them harm. Treat it as we do, say, occupational exposure to noise and resulting hearing loss. Do a baseline brain study of every college football player their freshman year. Require another test each year. And a test after every concussion. It will take time, but medical personnel, safety professionals, epidemiologists, etc. can develop criteria for when we say "enough is enough - no more exposure" (no more brain damage). When a test result, or say, two test results in a row, come back with results above that medically established threshold, the player can no longer play football. The player might still go on to develop some brain trauma and resulting health problems, but just like removing a worker from a noisy work environment while they still have some hearing left, the player will have some brain function for when they are old. And we can't justify doing nothing by saying "they knew the risks before taking the job". We don't allow workers to lose their hearing, just to be employed. We monitor their exposure to excessive occupational noise, and do the best we can to minimize it, and protect them. We need to do the same for football players.
Bruni: "My team is the Denver Broncos. "
One cannot, in good faith, deride a sport and its participants for its violence and disregard for safety while at the same time endorsing the entirety. I think that pro football is modern day gladiator mayhem. The sport has no redeeming qualities whatsoever and causes plenty of harm. Because of this, I do not watch any game, I follow no player, I avoid any article that professes any praise of the activity. I have no team and encourage Mr. Bruni to either drop the Broncos or drop the pretense of caring.
One cannot, in good faith, deride a sport and its participants for its violence and disregard for safety while at the same time endorsing the entirety. I think that pro football is modern day gladiator mayhem. The sport has no redeeming qualities whatsoever and causes plenty of harm. Because of this, I do not watch any game, I follow no player, I avoid any article that professes any praise of the activity. I have no team and encourage Mr. Bruni to either drop the Broncos or drop the pretense of caring.
If memory serves me, & I haven't had many concussions, Mr. Brady supported the election of Donald Trump. Not to make this political, but it kinda implies that Mr. Brady wants to be left alone with his decisions.
I don't think it's about the money, he and Ms. Bundchen probably don't have to work. If Ms. Bundchen want's him to retire, she probably can talk him into it. If they somehow enjoy Mr. Brady risking life & limb (and his brains future) then they should be left to reap the benefits and costs of those decisions.
Make the risks well known for American football players and then let them alone, it's not society's responsibility to try to influence them to quit. If we don't like it, we can always ignore the business and take our attention and dollars elsewhere.
I don't think it's about the money, he and Ms. Bundchen probably don't have to work. If Ms. Bundchen want's him to retire, she probably can talk him into it. If they somehow enjoy Mr. Brady risking life & limb (and his brains future) then they should be left to reap the benefits and costs of those decisions.
Make the risks well known for American football players and then let them alone, it's not society's responsibility to try to influence them to quit. If we don't like it, we can always ignore the business and take our attention and dollars elsewhere.
Gladiators did not choose to be gladiators, fighting to their death; football players choose and can also choose to stop. To equate them is specious.
You also can choose: watch or don't watch.
Shall we ban mountain climbing, auto racing, soccer (heading the ball), etc, etc?
How about butter, salt?
Will we no longer have free will?
You also can choose: watch or don't watch.
Shall we ban mountain climbing, auto racing, soccer (heading the ball), etc, etc?
How about butter, salt?
Will we no longer have free will?
3
I love to watch football, but have decided to stop. I simply can't justify supporting a sport that causes an epidemic of brain damage. Athletes in other sports also suffer injuries, but there are many sports we can all enjoy where the outcome for the players is not years of chronic brain deterioration. Those are the sports I will now enjoy. .
1
Frank,
When does the degenerative brain disease begin and do certain positions with more violent collisions sustained over the duration of career have higher frequencies? It's interesting that incidences of the disease are reported in the collision heavy positions line and linebacker.
When does the degenerative brain disease begin and do certain positions with more violent collisions sustained over the duration of career have higher frequencies? It's interesting that incidences of the disease are reported in the collision heavy positions line and linebacker.
It's the American Way that glory and money will trump wisdom and health most all the time. The rare exception is Ed Cunningham's strength of mind to buck the dominant paradigm and say enough is enough - hats off to him. I hope his example acts to further the questioning of sanity that has begun.
American football is an extremely enjoyable game to play and to watch - that is its seduction. That strong appeal has long won out over concern that essentially experiencing a car wreck forty times in three hours twenty days out of the year might just be harmful to one's long-term health. But there is loss with every gain, and the value of the entertainment must be weighed against its true costs. The task now (as in all other matters where traditions and habits, and commercial interests, are so ingrained and entrenched) is to ensure that facts and research are made transparent. It's an uphill struggle.
And bread and circuses require bakers and gladiators, no?
American football is an extremely enjoyable game to play and to watch - that is its seduction. That strong appeal has long won out over concern that essentially experiencing a car wreck forty times in three hours twenty days out of the year might just be harmful to one's long-term health. But there is loss with every gain, and the value of the entertainment must be weighed against its true costs. The task now (as in all other matters where traditions and habits, and commercial interests, are so ingrained and entrenched) is to ensure that facts and research are made transparent. It's an uphill struggle.
And bread and circuses require bakers and gladiators, no?
1
Seems like I remember that somebody quite a while ago now conducted a survey of elite Olympic athletes asking them that if they could take a supplement that would guarantee them a gold medal, but would kill them about 10 years later, would they do it. I remember that the overwhelming response was yes, they would. Professional football players know, generally, that they risk injury or even death in their pursuit of glory and money in their sport. They do it anyway. Further, millions of the rest of us would do the same thing if we could.
Unless something is done to improve the equipment and the mind set football will disappear in the next generation. Mothers and fathers are not so keen on their little boys playing football because of the potential for harm so their kids are playing baseball and soccer and basketball. If kids aren't playing the time will come when there won't be any men playing.
For so long the "culture of the sport" dictated that the head was used as a weapon and one of the "aims" of the game was to send as many of the other team off the field with an injury as possible. If the quarterback was knocked out so much the better.
I don't know if flag football would be as fun to watch as it was to play back when, but it might be.
For so long the "culture of the sport" dictated that the head was used as a weapon and one of the "aims" of the game was to send as many of the other team off the field with an injury as possible. If the quarterback was knocked out so much the better.
I don't know if flag football would be as fun to watch as it was to play back when, but it might be.
1
How PTSD impacts members of the armed forces, and the sad programs that are worsening for retired military, is a much more important issue for reasons that need not be itemized. Respectfully to Mr. Brady, he's sufficiently compensated for his choices.
2
Frank, I am avid reader of everything you've ever done in the paper or published. I have probably never disagreed with any statement, assumption or hypothesis you have ever made or rendered. Having said that, the Broncos are your team? You grew up in White Plains how did you not root for the Giants. Was your dad a Giants fan and you just strayed? What a shame. What's next? Are you going to now tell us you follow the LA Dodgers too? Oh the humanity..
4
I love football but have started to feel guilty about watching. It seems barbaric. I am conflicted.
5
I bet in another 50 years, the game will be a shadow of its former self, greatly altered to continue playing it or completely gone. It takes awhile. Someone else pointed out the devastation of smoking, some still do anyway, but hoards of people quit and hoards more don't smoke knowing what we know. Education is everything. At some point the question will be: Here's a sport you could join, play and probably enjoy. And here is the picture of you after CTE sets in and you are 55 and your family is unrecognizable to you and they care for your every need daily.
1
The New York Times and other left-leaning mainstream media outlets are engaged in a top-down push to drive the sport of football to extinction. The fact of the matter is that the vast majority of football players have suffered little to no brain damage from the game, and these so-called "studies" are heavily skewed by selection bias. As a former college football player, I have yet to talk to any former player at any level who wishes they hadn't played the game. When former players reflect on their time on the field, they realize that it's not the value of football but the values in football that made the biggest difference in their lives.
4
How many people survive driving drunk? Simply saying that the odds of surviving are in your favor is silly. What odds are acceptable? If one out of ten football players dies from the game is that acceptable, even though you have a 90% chance?
I had a co-worker who was paralyzed playing HS football. He regrets playing the game. Now you know of at least one such person.
I had a co-worker who was paralyzed playing HS football. He regrets playing the game. Now you know of at least one such person.
1
"If I'd only known that what I loved the most would end up killing me and taking away everything I loved, I would have never done it," Grant Feasel
1
Hey, I'm in the left, but I love watching football players bash their brains in on the field.
1
If you think the NFL is bad, college football is even worse. College football players don't get paid for the risk to their brains and bodies that they take nor for the reward that they generate for others.
NFL players know the risks, and earn the rewards. There's too much money in the system - for the owners, and the players to walk away from it. Brady is an adult and capable of making his decision on whether the reward is worth the risk.
CTE is the result of cumulative hits - much of the damage (from High School and College Football) is likely already done by the time players make it to the NFL.
College football players are "amateurs" and thus end up making millions of dollars for the coaches, the schools, and the Athletic Directors. They won't have access to any settlement funds in the future when their brains are mush and family members who have to wipe up their drool or at the worst, deal with the aftermath of suicide. They are truly professional athletes - they earn no compensation today, and bear all of the future risk. D1 college football is grotesque, and it's a travesty that "fans" watch and and support college football.
NFL players know the risks, and earn the rewards. There's too much money in the system - for the owners, and the players to walk away from it. Brady is an adult and capable of making his decision on whether the reward is worth the risk.
CTE is the result of cumulative hits - much of the damage (from High School and College Football) is likely already done by the time players make it to the NFL.
College football players are "amateurs" and thus end up making millions of dollars for the coaches, the schools, and the Athletic Directors. They won't have access to any settlement funds in the future when their brains are mush and family members who have to wipe up their drool or at the worst, deal with the aftermath of suicide. They are truly professional athletes - they earn no compensation today, and bear all of the future risk. D1 college football is grotesque, and it's a travesty that "fans" watch and and support college football.
7
I couldn't agree more. And, what does football have to do with the academic purposes of a university? It is nothing but a profitable entertainment business using free labor.
6
I completely agree with you. Nonetheless all humans are self destructive. It is only a matter of degree.
How often Frank have you breached the speed limit in the jungle that is the American highway putting your brain at risk? Are you doing visual image memory exercises every day to hopefully slow your own cerebral decay? Do you follow the neuroscience literature to understand the most widely accepted modes of brain care?
Finally boxing, car racing and football find many athletes eager to test their skill despite the cost. Some of our non-athletes even jump out of planes armed with parachutes. Hopefully your finger in the dike will have some impact on the self-destructiveness that is, unfortunately, an integral part of the human race, particularly the young.
How often Frank have you breached the speed limit in the jungle that is the American highway putting your brain at risk? Are you doing visual image memory exercises every day to hopefully slow your own cerebral decay? Do you follow the neuroscience literature to understand the most widely accepted modes of brain care?
Finally boxing, car racing and football find many athletes eager to test their skill despite the cost. Some of our non-athletes even jump out of planes armed with parachutes. Hopefully your finger in the dike will have some impact on the self-destructiveness that is, unfortunately, an integral part of the human race, particularly the young.
1
Still, many religionists think our species is the product of what they persist in calling "intelligent design."
1
This comment fails to discuss magnitude of risk. Playing football is a lot riskier than driving 5 mph over the speed limit - they are not equivalent.
2
You must have missed the word degree at the end of the first paragraph which gives the context for what follows. Also you may have missed my ending about the young.
Nonetheless, as to the highway I do know that on average a 16 year old male driver will have one accident in his first year of driving. That's a risky and frequent venture no matter how you color it.
Nonetheless, as to the highway I do know that on average a 16 year old male driver will have one accident in his first year of driving. That's a risky and frequent venture no matter how you color it.
Readers should do a google search on Ron Johnson, one of the greatest NY Giant running backs of all time. The search will shed significant light on the topic.
2
Boston has some of the world's leading neurologists and the Patriots and tom Brady probably have access to routine and emergency screenings and any necessary diagnosis and treatment..
1
NFL doctors supply players with copious pain killers. Drug dealers, really.
1
Tom, you've made a ton of money and enjoyed your fame. Now it's time to retire, because even the possibility that you could still live to a normal old age is, in MasterCard terms, priceless.
1
At least there are rules to protect quarterbacks and their receivers. How about everyone else. Bruni makes the same mistake highlighting pretty boy Brady.
What about the rest of the grunts who make Tom look good? No protection there.
What about the rest of the grunts who make Tom look good? No protection there.
12
While doing research on brain trauma in rats, I had to go through very thorough protocols to get permission to perform one "brain trauma" on an individual rat. Even with only one traumatic event, there were very obvious anatomical and behavioral deficits.
No authorities would give us the permission to perform more than one "brain trauma" on a rat, yet the NFL gives permission to perform this regularly. And apparently some morons happily agree to be part of their experiment.
No authorities would give us the permission to perform more than one "brain trauma" on a rat, yet the NFL gives permission to perform this regularly. And apparently some morons happily agree to be part of their experiment.
6
Really don't care about that cheater. Where's the good old Black Sox days?
1
Of course Brady should not be forced to retire. He's an adult making a choice while in possession of the best knowledge we have about the sport and brain injuries. Of course, if people want to watch football and teams are transparent about the risks, the business will go on. But fans are complicit in a pretty sketchy wager - how would you feel about offering a random stranger (and I guess to be accurate, it should be a 20-something stranger) a hundred bucks to play a round or Russian Roulette? Maybe some players play because they love football, but I have to guess that for most, money, glory, and fame are huge draws. At some point, you have to ask yourself why you are entertained by unhealthily bulked up men pounding each other into early dementia. Maybe you'd be better served by getting into boxing - at least it maims fewer people.
1
I hope all of these critics never drive a car. Too risky, and statistics show that to be the case.
1
You can't compare risks without quantifying them. Driving is not equivalent to playing football because the risk of injury is much, much lower. Moreover football provides no more benefits to society than gladiatorial combat.
2
Bad argument. You are saying that the risks of driving, which are a lot, and the consequences of accidents frequently devastating, including death, are weighed. Well, the football players weight them too and make their decision. "benefit to society" is not relevant. And to say that sport and entertainment have no benefit to society is reckless and ignorant. You speak as if their playing football puts US at risk. It doesn't. It puts THEM at risk, just as you do every time you get into your car.
Sorry Virginia but cost benefit analysis requires weighing both costs and benefits. The economic benefits to society of driving are manifest, and in my lifetime we've done a tremendous amount to make it safer. Gladiatorial combat provides entertainment too. Should we bring that back too? There are safer forms of entertainment.
Yeah. The man's awesome, and it's great entertainment. I've quit watching it.
6
Bottom line is, there is no avoiding the dangers of either Football or Hockey. I concluded that after learning the shape, my beloved undefeated Miami Dolphin key player are in. Especially Nick Bonnaconti, and Jim Kick.
1
For football you're probably right, but it could be avoided in hockey. They do it in Europe.
Pro football is a ruined sport. It's really not much of a sport at all at this point. A lot of the intensified head trauma started escalating during the 1980's. As did the huge dominance of our national economy, the greed of management, and the arrogance of owners. Sound a little like the United States during that period? You got it, America's game is going the way of America--overplaying the hand into disaster. When the rules came off (When Reagan took off) and players were instructed to hit harder, well, fill in the rest yourself....
6
Maybe soon football will be played with androids or robots to save the brains of the players, and it will be cheaper an more violent too. Tear the arm off a robot - no problem. Most people at the games are so drunk they won't know the difference and for TV you don't even need robotic players, just 3D animations. Today, guess who foots the bill to care for all the brain addled players, the same folks who pay for the mega-stadiums with sky boxes we will never get to use; it's why your taxes are high.
This is a reminder of how fragile our brain can be (is?) to recurring blows to the head...by the continuing use of hard headgear in football's armory. Rugby, also a rough game (brutish may be a better moniker), does not use the 'killing gear' causing traumatic head injuries in our prime, reason why many parents abhor the chance of their children choosing such a mind-altering sport- weapon. Idiocy in the name of passion doubles down when exposed to our favorite past time.
2
I despise football. Not only for its violence, but also for the fact that the players are treated as some kind of heroes. They are feted and given good grades in high school and college, all for the dubious honor of winning a championship. And then, they're paraded on 5th avenue, the avenue of heroes, where returning soldiers of the second world war held their coming home parade, where the astronauts that landed on the moon had their ticker tape parade and where Lindbergh, the first to fly across the Atlantic paraded. For a football team to use the same venue, with those true heroes, that risked their life for the betterment of humanity, is a sacrilege. Let's face the truth people. The players are NOT heroes. They just make millions, while getting hurt. They do not deserve your hard earned money, nor your adulation
6
I, like a lot of the comment writers here, grew up being a huge NFL fan. When my son started playing soccer, I became a fan of his team, and eventually started watching Premier League. It's an elegant sport with lots of skill and athleticism on display, but there aren't injuries like in football. Likewise, of course baseball, and perhaps basketball. I think a lot could be done to make football, American style, a sustainable sport.
First, how about a weight limit? Soccer players are smaller people because they have to run all over the field all the time. The collisions, when they occur, have less mass to them. Football long ago - like in the 40's and 50's was probably somewhat safer because the athletes were smaller.
And how about flag football? I think a game based on the current structure but with no tackling would quickly catch on. People like to see pass completions and long runs and lots of scoring. I would, as someone else said, pay to watch Brady lead a flag football team down the field.
It's either that or we commit to supporting a basically immoral level of physical risk for the players, which is not okay, even if they do voluntarily sign up for it.
First, how about a weight limit? Soccer players are smaller people because they have to run all over the field all the time. The collisions, when they occur, have less mass to them. Football long ago - like in the 40's and 50's was probably somewhat safer because the athletes were smaller.
And how about flag football? I think a game based on the current structure but with no tackling would quickly catch on. People like to see pass completions and long runs and lots of scoring. I would, as someone else said, pay to watch Brady lead a flag football team down the field.
It's either that or we commit to supporting a basically immoral level of physical risk for the players, which is not okay, even if they do voluntarily sign up for it.
7
Maybe we should all keep in mind that supporting football with what we know now about the dangers to people who play it is unconscionable when it's all just a fable about local pride that masks the fact that we're all just rooting for the playthings of billionaires. I'm done.
5
Brady is an outlier... physically gifted, bright, a perfectionist and very lucky. He has had the good fortune to have stayed relatively injury free and this is largely attributable to the organization he plays for. He has been surrounded by offensive lineman who have provided him great protection year in and out; he has been surrounded by great defensive teams which has often kept his time on the field at a minimum; and he has benefited from talented and gifted offensive talent which he has directed. Above all he has been the recipient of Belechik's tutelage and guidance. But... and he is well aware, at any given moment in any given game, his career could end - the league over the years has provided ample testimony. The great ones grapple with the issue of when is it time to call it in - too many stay to long and limp or quietly leave after their best days are far behind or have no choice because of debilitating injury. Given all he has accomplished (what more does he aspire to) let's hope he realizes there is more to life than football and the sooner he comes to this realization the better off he, and his family, will be. Time to turn the page Tom, its been a great ride.
5
If you are a bright player, you can lose a lot of bandwidth before it shows.
1
I stopped watching this year. It wasn't that hard. My viewership was aiding and abetting. I wouldn't watch cock fighting, or dog fighting.
Football is the same sort of needless cruelty masquerading as sport. There is just more money involved.
Football is the same sort of needless cruelty masquerading as sport. There is just more money involved.
9
Roosters and dogs are not making the choice. To equate human beings with roosters and dogs is offensive.
3
The only sports without head injury issues are those where players are separated: tennis, volleyball, et al.
Soccer is particularly liable due to constantly heading the ball. Boxing is ridiculous.
Our brains are cushioned and protected inside of our skulls. It takes serious acceleration to damage them. Helmets do not prevent our heads from accelerating quickly while inside of them, but they could offer more of this sort of protection. Why has no one designed a helmet that is specifically created to reduce brain injury by reducing head acceleration?
Soccer is particularly liable due to constantly heading the ball. Boxing is ridiculous.
Our brains are cushioned and protected inside of our skulls. It takes serious acceleration to damage them. Helmets do not prevent our heads from accelerating quickly while inside of them, but they could offer more of this sort of protection. Why has no one designed a helmet that is specifically created to reduce brain injury by reducing head acceleration?
3
I agree about the heading thing in soccer. I never let my son do that on his soccer team. It wasn't a big deal with the coach because he was a defensive player anyway. They could remove heading from the game of soccer altogether in my opinion.
1
They are what they do...
"Bündchen’s comments received only a fraction of the attention they deserved"
Really? Come on....that's all we heard about at the time.
Really? Come on....that's all we heard about at the time.
I forwarded this article to my 15-year old daughter who idolizes "Tommy Terrific." I wonder about her response. I hope she agrees that the risks he is taking are too high but likely not.
1
Maybe if we legalized marijuana and allowed NFL players to use it after a concussion, the development of CTE would be inhibited or non-existent.
Apparently marijuana derivative products like CBD oil (and others) protect and even repair brain cells, which has been documented but cannot yet be studied fully because of our insane drug laws. It's also crazy that the NFL has committed 100 million dollars to study brain injuries in the sport, but none of that will go towards studying marijuana.
A number of current NFL players have stated that their experience with marijuana and concussions (and pain) is much more manageable than with all the other much more extreme, and ultimately ineffectual, treatments they are given by their teams (opioids for the most part). Yet they will be barred from playing if they test positive for it.
Some articles that support the possibilities of marijuana to prevent CTE:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28261100
https://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2016/12/cannabinoid-concussio...
http://www.esquire.com/lifestyle/health/interviews/a49946/derrick-morgan...
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25264643
Apparently marijuana derivative products like CBD oil (and others) protect and even repair brain cells, which has been documented but cannot yet be studied fully because of our insane drug laws. It's also crazy that the NFL has committed 100 million dollars to study brain injuries in the sport, but none of that will go towards studying marijuana.
A number of current NFL players have stated that their experience with marijuana and concussions (and pain) is much more manageable than with all the other much more extreme, and ultimately ineffectual, treatments they are given by their teams (opioids for the most part). Yet they will be barred from playing if they test positive for it.
Some articles that support the possibilities of marijuana to prevent CTE:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28261100
https://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2016/12/cannabinoid-concussio...
http://www.esquire.com/lifestyle/health/interviews/a49946/derrick-morgan...
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25264643
1
***Bündchen’s comments received only a fraction of the attention they deserved, as Malcolm Gladwell, who has written extensively about head trauma in football, noted on a podcast in June. “Why isn’t there a stronger drumbeat for him to retire?” Gladwell asked, adding, “I do not want to see Tom Brady at 55 drooling into a cup.”***
Seriously? If his supermodel wife either isn't interested in him retiring or can't convince - the public and the sports world is supposed to? The guy is a zillionaire. How much more does he need?
Seriously? If his supermodel wife either isn't interested in him retiring or can't convince - the public and the sports world is supposed to? The guy is a zillionaire. How much more does he need?
1
"Bündchen’s comments received only a fraction of the attention they deserved, as Malcolm Gladwell, who has written extensively about head trauma in football, noted on a podcast in June. “Why isn’t there a stronger drumbeat for him to retire?” Gladwell asked, adding, “I do not want to see Tom Brady at 55 drooling into a cup.”"
Unfortunately Brady drooling in a cup at 55 is what would have to happen before football would ever wise up. Even then I'm not so sure. Way too much money at stake for them.
Unfortunately Brady drooling in a cup at 55 is what would have to happen before football would ever wise up. Even then I'm not so sure. Way too much money at stake for them.
3
Looking forward to Bruni providing "The Celeb's Medical Condition of the Month" columns in the future.
Time will be the test.
Now we are supposed to worry about multimillionaires married to supermodels and their brains?
No thanks.
No thanks.
6
No one is particularly interested in Tom Bray's brain; that is why we need not talk about it.
Who cares about brady's brain, there are a whole lot more critical issues to be discussing. How about 800K young Dreamers being kicked to the gutter? How about "talking" to N. Korea?
4
Who is the welterweight boxing champ now? Who knows, because boxing is much less popular than it used to be. In 30 years, will the NFL be as popular as it is now? If not, knowing that many of your favorite players will have cognitive problems in the future kind of takes the fun out of football. I still watch, but it is becoming a guilty pleasure.
4
Yes, Mr. Bruni, finally you have written on a subject for which the American people have been waiting for guidance for some time. Why waste valuable space talking about economic issues or foreign policy when the football season has begun. You are in tune with the pulse of America.
3
Oh, i got you, football players are too dumb to know the risks for themselves. Broncos fan. Nice. How poetic was it that Vonn Miller almost single-handedly beat Cam Newton, a superman type, and then Miller was shown on the sideline getting oxegan like some "athsma boy". I worked in construction for many years and was about as suited to do that job as derek zoolander was to be a miner, but i learned how to slow down and embrace the brutality of some of the work. That is why people like football. It summons something of the brutality of our culture. And, it's sunday .And some judeo-christian motif figures in there as well. And the whole country is watching.
2
There is an evidence based approach. Accelerometers in football helmets. The NFL did some initial testing and then dropped the program citing that the system was not yet accurate enough and also player confidentiality. Every time I watch a football game I imagine a players helmet glowing red on the TV and the jumbotron after a direct hit, tied to the instant data from the players own helmet. And a blood thirsty crowd screaming in appreciation....
2
I so highly respect you Frank, but on this I must disagree, as to professionals playing football. This issue is important, but it pales in comparison, by 1000x times, compared to deaths, and equally debilitating injuries from:
a. Iraq and Afghanistan
b. automotive fatalities
c. pedestrian fatalities
d. gun deaths
e. drug deaths
f. suicides
It is only because of the great recognition of the NFL and Brady that we pay attention at all.
Still, football overall has damaged our cultural growth by stripping away funds, and recognition of young artists, musicians, scientists and engineers. This is the REAL sad tragedy about the glorification of football.
a. Iraq and Afghanistan
b. automotive fatalities
c. pedestrian fatalities
d. gun deaths
e. drug deaths
f. suicides
It is only because of the great recognition of the NFL and Brady that we pay attention at all.
Still, football overall has damaged our cultural growth by stripping away funds, and recognition of young artists, musicians, scientists and engineers. This is the REAL sad tragedy about the glorification of football.
8
A study asked high school athletes, "If there was a drug that would make you a major star but after a few years would kill you, would you take it?" Most said that they would. Brain injury? Apparently all the professional football players have it. What about boxing-- no helmet-- people pay to see blood-- still legal. My father wouldn't let me play football-- if he were around today, I would thank him.
4
Yes, football is not the only sport with a high concussion and TBI risk. Too many of our children have concussions from "heading" soccer balls, hockey collisions and falling off horses. Two of my daughters and I have TBI from our equestrian pursuits. One daughter and I also have neck and spinal cord damage, and the other daughter and I have Migraine Disease.
Our children also suffer concussions from skateboarding and riding their bicycles. They are also injured when they dance, sail, and engage in almost any activity. What are we to do? Do we wrap them in bubble wrap and put them on a shelf? I don't know. I do know I've paid a lot of medical bills over the years.
Our children also suffer concussions from skateboarding and riding their bicycles. They are also injured when they dance, sail, and engage in almost any activity. What are we to do? Do we wrap them in bubble wrap and put them on a shelf? I don't know. I do know I've paid a lot of medical bills over the years.
2
As usual, in America, this is about the money. Do you really think any government is going to restrict this game with all the $$$ they have as sunk costs in Stadiums, ticket taxes, parking fees, etc. You cannot be serious. Nothing will change. There's too much money involved. Do a column on the funding of these facilities and you'll see what I mean. The players are incidental. A minor expense. Disposable.
1
A few years back the local NFL team, the Baltimore Ravens, had a dreadful year. They were out of contention by early mid season and even the die hards gave up before Christmas. The local TV station did a piece on the damage this did economically to restaurants and bars and sports related clothing sales downtown. It was actually a hit on the Baltimore economy. It shows how much cash this sport generates and how difficult it will be to change anything that effects its popularity.
We obviously need to do everything we can to make the game safer for its players, but in all likelihood those who play the game for an extended time will suffer brain trauma.
The average NFL career is less than 4 years, so we're really only talking about a handful of super-elite athletes. Brady may be trading a miserable second half of life for an unfathomably wonderful first half, but I do believe that's his decision to make.
The average NFL career is less than 4 years, so we're really only talking about a handful of super-elite athletes. Brady may be trading a miserable second half of life for an unfathomably wonderful first half, but I do believe that's his decision to make.
1
This story like virtually all CTE stories focuses on the individual. The smart, brave, athletic hero who shows how strong, fearless, and talented he is. For the individual, glowing at the center of sphere of connections on and off the field, the payoff is more than worth any possible risks.
At age 40, a man might begin thinking about the off field connections: visions of hand-in-hand walks on the beach with his wife, visions of seeing his children grow and grow up, visions of doing good things the big career will allow him to do.
But then …
From https://www.nytimes.com/2016/05/25/sports/dave-mirra-cte-bmx.html
"I started to notice changes in his mood,” Mirra’s wife, Lauren, told ESPN. “And then it quickly started to get worse. He wasn’t able to be present in any situation or conversation, so it was hard to be in a relationship with him to any degree.”
It’s time for news reporting to start describing the real sporting risks. The future is not the individual glowing at the center of sphere of off-field connections but the individual in a dark room. The doors into the room don’t work anymore, the warmth is gone. In fact even the concepts of light and warm don’t exist anymore.
At age 40, a man might begin thinking about the off field connections: visions of hand-in-hand walks on the beach with his wife, visions of seeing his children grow and grow up, visions of doing good things the big career will allow him to do.
But then …
From https://www.nytimes.com/2016/05/25/sports/dave-mirra-cte-bmx.html
"I started to notice changes in his mood,” Mirra’s wife, Lauren, told ESPN. “And then it quickly started to get worse. He wasn’t able to be present in any situation or conversation, so it was hard to be in a relationship with him to any degree.”
It’s time for news reporting to start describing the real sporting risks. The future is not the individual glowing at the center of sphere of off-field connections but the individual in a dark room. The doors into the room don’t work anymore, the warmth is gone. In fact even the concepts of light and warm don’t exist anymore.
2
I would like to remind everyone that CTE is not the only serious risk of playing football. I was watching the game in which Daryl Stingley was head butted and spent the rest of his life in a wheelchair. I shuttered then and I shutter now at a violent hit. That was almost 50 years ago. I don't see change coming soon, especially with the money made by many. However, I still watch pro football not quite understanding my desire to keep the concept of gladiators alive.
2
the only thing this issue/article has convinced me of is that I need to get rid of my car and never drive again. The risks are much too high. I'm also never going to take a bath again, since the number of terrible injuries, even deaths, that occur in bathtubs every year is very high. Forget about swimming. How many people drown every year due to swimming? A lot. And I'm ordering a ton of bubble wrap in which to wrap my children so that they are risk-proof. Of course, I'll need helmets for their heads, since they won't be able to breath with bubble wrapped wrapped around their heads. And their shoes will all have steel toes in case something heavy falls on their feet...I feel better already.
1
I wonder what a literal TON of bubble wrap looks like. Would they deliver it to your house in a semi?
"My team is the Denver Broncos."
Mr. Bruni, why does a thoughtful man such as your self even have a team, when you know the players will eventually be "walking vegetables"? Not to mention billionaires manipulating taxpayers into building lavish stadiums when city streets are full of potholes and schools are crumbling.
Mr. Bruni, why does a thoughtful man such as your self even have a team, when you know the players will eventually be "walking vegetables"? Not to mention billionaires manipulating taxpayers into building lavish stadiums when city streets are full of potholes and schools are crumbling.
If Mr. Bruni was indeed concerned for Tom Brady's well being he wouldn't have singled him out as a person or the sport he plays. What I think Mr. Bruni is more concerned about is Tom Brady winning more championships because he's far and away the best quarterback playing and probably ever to have played the game.
Where's the love for MMA fighters Frank?
Where's the love for MMA fighters Frank?
Let Brady and his wife make the decisions about their lives. As C. S. Lewis puts it, "the pain now is part of the happiness then." Someday the pain may be very great, but so too will the pleasure today be very great. Bundchen accepts her possible future role as the wife of a drooling imbecile who achieved what both of them wanted, his claim to be the greatest quarterback, probably the greatest football player, of all time. Perhaps, in 2040, he will light the Olympic flame.
1
Why don't females play these brain-crashing " sports" ??? Just maybe, we value our brains. All our ( longer ) lives. Mothers, just say NO. Don't allow your children to do this. Ever.
4
First, I don't want any former football players or anyone to be drooling in their soup at 51.
Second, I have been trying to push a simple protective rule on to the NFL radar.
"Any play in which a turnover of the football occurs in the context of a direct blow to the head, face or neck of a ball carrier shall be returned to the team of the player who suffered the illegal blow."
Whether intentional or not, this where serious concussions frequently occur and it's a frequent cause of prized turnovers, and one team clearly benefits from delivering a brain compromising blow. STOP it now. It is the morally correct thing to do, even if it takes away a game changing, exciting play.
Second, I have been trying to push a simple protective rule on to the NFL radar.
"Any play in which a turnover of the football occurs in the context of a direct blow to the head, face or neck of a ball carrier shall be returned to the team of the player who suffered the illegal blow."
Whether intentional or not, this where serious concussions frequently occur and it's a frequent cause of prized turnovers, and one team clearly benefits from delivering a brain compromising blow. STOP it now. It is the morally correct thing to do, even if it takes away a game changing, exciting play.
2
I read somewhere that some ex-NFL player recommends getting rid of face masks on helmets, the logic being that players ALL would be much more careful of who,—and how—they hit. As it is, Helmets are weapons: (witness Jalen Dalton's being ejected from the UNC-Cal game for targeting the Cal QB and hitting him with a vicious and intentional blow to his face. (http://www.newsobserver.com/sports/college/acc/unc/unc-now/article170987...
The truth of the matter is that the attraction of football is its inherent violence and if there's anything Americans love, it's violence. In our movies, in our TV shows, in our entire culture.
Football players, like Roman gladiators of 2,000 years ago, are worshipped. Not so much when they decline into older men with broken bodies and mush for brains.
The truth of the matter is that the attraction of football is its inherent violence and if there's anything Americans love, it's violence. In our movies, in our TV shows, in our entire culture.
Football players, like Roman gladiators of 2,000 years ago, are worshipped. Not so much when they decline into older men with broken bodies and mush for brains.
This may be worth considering. It is said that bare-knuckle boxing was less dangerous to the brain because one could not hit so hard without breaking the hand. Gloves make it possible to deliver much more punishing blows. Perhaps playing with no face mask and leather helmets would help, although I seem to recall also that in the early days football suffered not so much concussions as deaths.
Heck of price to get your name in a record book.
1
I don't suppose you get to be as good as Tom Brady without starting to play at a fairly young age. And yes, team sports can have a lot of benefits for kids. But the fact remains that football, at almost every stage, is a violent and vicious game by its very nature.
I have a nephew who has been disabled for the past 25 years due to a high school football injury. He was raised in a house of rabid fans and was expected and groomed to play when he got old enough. Now his days and nights are filled with acute pain and feelings of worthlessness because he cannot support his children or realize some of his younger goals. To add to the tragedy, he only played the sport so his dad would be proud of him and make him more of a "man" in his friends' minds. He will tell you now it wasn't worth it.
There are other team sports our children can play without tempting fate; sports much less likely to damage their brains or break their backs.
With his drive, intelligence, and discipline, Tom Brady would've likely become a success at anything he fancied; too bad the choice he made (or was made for him) will cost him so much down the road.
Indeed there's a reason that concussions aren't talked about in his house.
I have a nephew who has been disabled for the past 25 years due to a high school football injury. He was raised in a house of rabid fans and was expected and groomed to play when he got old enough. Now his days and nights are filled with acute pain and feelings of worthlessness because he cannot support his children or realize some of his younger goals. To add to the tragedy, he only played the sport so his dad would be proud of him and make him more of a "man" in his friends' minds. He will tell you now it wasn't worth it.
There are other team sports our children can play without tempting fate; sports much less likely to damage their brains or break their backs.
With his drive, intelligence, and discipline, Tom Brady would've likely become a success at anything he fancied; too bad the choice he made (or was made for him) will cost him so much down the road.
Indeed there's a reason that concussions aren't talked about in his house.
Brady is well-compensated for the risk, which he is almost certainly aware of. The millions of children who play football for years, enduring frequent head trauma and never make it beyond their HS team are neither aware nor compensated for it.
2
Equipment must be radically re-engineered (softer helmets) or even eliminated (shoulder pads, face masks) and a new style of play developed (more like wrestling than boxing) if the game is to survive.
We are as North Carolina was after the Feds published the first big study on the dangers of tobacco. They made billions on hooking people and killing them, and just laughed at the thought of stopping smoking.
I live a mile from the UofOregon's Autzen field and watch as tens of thousands march in to watch the gladiators destroy their brains for the enjoyment of the drunken mob. There is little chance the brains of our kids and sports heroes will be protected, because the millionaires get too rich from addicting Americans to the violence on the field.
A non smoker, I watched my parents and grandparents die from smoking, and I am sure I will live out my life hearing of more sports figures dying of gladiator sport dementia.
I mourn the stubborn stupidity of the average sports fan.
Hugh Massengill, Eugene Oregon
I live a mile from the UofOregon's Autzen field and watch as tens of thousands march in to watch the gladiators destroy their brains for the enjoyment of the drunken mob. There is little chance the brains of our kids and sports heroes will be protected, because the millionaires get too rich from addicting Americans to the violence on the field.
A non smoker, I watched my parents and grandparents die from smoking, and I am sure I will live out my life hearing of more sports figures dying of gladiator sport dementia.
I mourn the stubborn stupidity of the average sports fan.
Hugh Massengill, Eugene Oregon
178
Meh. I mourn the self-righteousness of people who, because they don't care for something or understand something, believe those who have a different attitude or understanding are "stupid".
You chose your profession, as was your right. Brady chose his, as was his. And he did not choose it because of stupid sports fans. He chose it because he loves the game.
You chose your profession, as was your right. Brady chose his, as was his. And he did not choose it because of stupid sports fans. He chose it because he loves the game.
Hugh, Bless you for your bravery and compassion. I, like you, mourn the early loss of my father to tobacco. The dangers players face are only beginning to emerge. May they be kept safe.
Children may not play organized football in recreation leagues or for schools without signed parental approval forms which usually include liability disclaimers regarding injury to the child. As more parents realize the profound long-term risks of football, fewer permission slips will be signed, and eventually, football will take a back seat to some other sport, perhaps soccer.
1
Rare is the celebrated football player who is celebrated for his post-career endeavors. One of the most striking, startling would not be too strong an adjective, is Alan Page, former feared tackle for the Minnesota Vikings. While in pro football, Page completed law school and went on to pursue a rewarding career in law, culminating as a Minnesota State Supreme Court justice. But for every comparable example to Alan Page or to the Cowboy's sainted Roger Staubach, there is a legion of men whose glory days, if they can even recall them, are the reason they can barely function as an independent person.
Football players are America's counterpart to the Roman gladiator. The latter seldom made it to retirement. The former, too often, are unable to enjoy theirs.
Football players are America's counterpart to the Roman gladiator. The latter seldom made it to retirement. The former, too often, are unable to enjoy theirs.
2
As soon as the first successful lawsuit against the NFL proving it knowingly allowed players to participate despite knowing concussions could prove a long term brain disorder the league is finished. I love football but these men are literally risking their lives for a few years of massive economic gain. Once the league has been successfully sued the first time the house of cards will fall.
Make it safer or it will end.
Make it safer or it will end.
2
I have a difficult time believing that the NFL will go away anywhere in the near future. For those of us who play (or have played) the game and love it there's nothing in the world like it. I can't even begin to tell you the feeling of putting on the pads and uniform and playing in front of a big crowd. The sensation is truly intoxicating; I say this as someone who only played for three seasons at a small high school. I'd sell my soul - or my brain - to be good enough to play in front of 60,000+ and get paid millions to do it.
1
Unfortunate that you didn't pick up an education at that small high school.
1
Bread and games, the Roman emperors got it right. If they can make millions of fat guys watch TV while getting fatter and make billions of dollars in the process, why would they stop?
5
There will soon be lot's of empty, publicly funded, empty stadiums as the game of football dies away.
I agree. How about turning those stadiums into affordable housing and doing away with homelessness?
Personally, I think our society would be better without all these gladiator sports It's not good for the fans' brains either
8
The reason that football players are revered and the sport is not shut down is that we Americans love risk takers. Is it not the ultimate in risk taking to see just how much pounding your brain can take? Drugs or trauma, elective brain injury is "sexy" to the end.
1
Cheat Father Time? Sure, why not. He cheats everything else.
5
Ok, Frank, I've always liked your commentary. Now that I know your team is the Denver Broncos you will never, ever, be able to say anything wrong.
1
First and with all due respect, I'm not sure that Brady's wife can be relied upon to make accurate statements. Many of her tweets in the past have been questionable. Second, there is little doubt about the danger of playing football. I played a ton of football from the age of 10 through college. I remember some foggy moment but I was never diagnosed with a concussion. But that was 55 years ago when the issue had not surfaced. Today, I have a 14 year old grandson who just started playing high school football last year. I tried to talk him out of it but he loves the game and he's a very good player. He's attracted to it for the same reasons as I was. It's the collegiality and the interdependence of the game. Everyone relies on everyone else. I also played hockey and basketball but those sports do not carry with them the same emotions and highs and lows of the shared struggle of battle that is football. Nonetheless, I think, the game is doomed. More and more high schools are dropping it. It's just too dangerous and more so now with the speed and size of modern day players.
2
I think his wife would know about her husband's medical history. We also know that it is in the Patriots AND the NFL's best interest to not publicize Tom Brady having concussions. They denied the link to football and traumatic brain injury for decades.
1
Brady's brain is a Dorian Gray portrait. Perhaps sooner than we imagine, that portrait will start to replace the cunning and charismatic visage we so admire. Let's hope we do not turn away from that reality and continue our rationalizations like so other commenters on this piece.
1
Thanks for service to public health with your column today.
In this country of choices, an adult can do what he/she wants. That goes for harming themselves through football or any other sport. It's the same for smoking, drinking alcohol, taking too many prescription drugs and for too long, bad diets. It all leads to premature death and worse. I'd rather see the outcry about football be diverted to not allowing children to play the ridiculous sport at so young an age. 18 should be the age when a young man is allowed to choose to do what destructive behavior he wants to do with his own body for our entertainment. After all, that's the age we send him to fight our wars which is some sort of entertainment for us Americans who tune in each night to watch the action.
17 is the minimum age to join the US military.
Last I heard, Brady is an adult, entitled to weigh risks and rewards like anyone else.
4
Ritualized warfare disguised as entertainment. Of course there are going to be victims. Trading fame for disability?
2
I have quit watching football. I cannot justify supporting and encouraging the battering of young men's brains.
2
Funny. When I saw the headline, I thought the column was going to be about his extraordinary brain that enables him to see the whole field, determine patterns developing, react to defenses and make quick decisions.
Maybe I've taken too many shots to the head.
PS: If you think American society is split now, wait until football is threatened.
Maybe I've taken too many shots to the head.
PS: If you think American society is split now, wait until football is threatened.
5
A side question.....
What is this need that American journalism has for declaring the age of every person who appears in their writings? For example, why do we need to know that Cunnigham is 48? How is it relevant?
Journalists in other countries don't do this. I think that it is ageism in America.
What is this need that American journalism has for declaring the age of every person who appears in their writings? For example, why do we need to know that Cunnigham is 48? How is it relevant?
Journalists in other countries don't do this. I think that it is ageism in America.
1
I think the point was that Cunningham quit at an age when he has built a career in his profession, but long before he would normally retire - in other words, at the time when quitting probably reflects a pretty big sacrifice. In this case, it was a relevant detail.
Too bad America's type of football, evolving from rugby (which has its own category of potential injury), became so popular.
Say football in most of the rest of the world, and they mean soccer, not devoid of injury potential, but will not make your brain mush.
Say football in most of the rest of the world, and they mean soccer, not devoid of injury potential, but will not make your brain mush.
2
Fact: the game of football - American football, with players kitted out like modern-day gladiators - is damaging to men's brains. Tom Brady's brain is paying an enormous future price for his great fame and fortune. Mothers of boys have long faced the facts that playing football can unalterably damage their sons' brains because of the painfuland unavoidable concussions of that sport. Some mothers were far happier seeing their boys playing baseball, basketball, wrestling, soccer, tennis, and rowing in crews - sports that built character and team spirit rather than damaging their precious brains. Football is bread and circuses, a violent religion for the American people.
4
And yet I can't go to a restaurant in NYC without UFC on TV.
Really, the only real question that is pertinent is "is Mr. Brady aware of the risks?" If he is and still wants to play, take a seat and shut up. If he is not, he should be educated so he can make an informed choice.
What endears Mr. Brady to many fans is his indomitable will to compete. To call for him to retire is anathema to his outlook and would fall on deaf ears. Inform the man and then back off. It is his life.
What endears Mr. Brady to many fans is his indomitable will to compete. To call for him to retire is anathema to his outlook and would fall on deaf ears. Inform the man and then back off. It is his life.
56
Nobody told Tom Brady he couldn't play. He was well past the danger zone by the time the choice was clear and the downside so severe. Nobody needs to sit down and shut up. Nobody says they can't do this to themselves for whatever reason.
But what about all the children who emulate him on playing fields across the country? Do you think they can consent to future brain damage? And if you don't think they can consent (legally, of course they can't, but this is a hypothetical), then that's the end of the sport, isn't it? There will be no more Tom Bradys if kids don't start playing the sport in little league.
1
It's really 2 questions, the second one being: " what are his wife's opinions and feelings on the subject and will he respect them?
1
Football and our kids' brains are important enough for a government/NFL partnership to improve helmet technologiy! Surely there are now commercial non-bulky nano materials that can absorb energy to reduce G-forces? All it takes is society insisting that money be spent and ticket prices a little higher.
Either that or we pay 40+ players for long term car under medicare?
Either that or we pay 40+ players for long term car under medicare?
1
It's tough to make a helmet that stops the brain from rattling around in the skull when a massive hit, or simply a rapid change in direction, causes damage.
1
A good column, but it fails to mention one important fact: The NFL has gone to great lengths to protect quarterbacks from injury, including where and when he can be hit. I'm much more concerned about the 28-year-old defensive linemen and backs and offensive linemen who are butting heads with each other on every play. Yes, quarterbacks do have their bells rung, but not nearly as often.
5
These are difficult times. These athletes work for our amusement, and with barely a modicum of privacy about their health. For our entertainment, they walk into an uncertain future. We know the possible outcomes. When are we going to seriously elevate?
4
They do it because they love it. and most are very well compensated for it. They don't do it for anyone's entertainment.
3
They make a lot of money. And they know the risks. They are no different than the rest of the USA, sacrificing their safety for a buck. Disgusting, but true.
Frank, I appreciate your concern for Tom Brady. And yes, retiring now may save him from additional impacts to his brain, but it's likely that a great deal of damage has already been done.
The real answer is to change the game. To take actions to fundamentally reduce risks at all levels of the game. For instance, to limit the weights of the players, as in boxing. To reduce (yes, reduce) the amount of padding and restrict the most vicious tackles. In short, to turn football into something a little more like rugby.
It would be a different form of entertainment, but no less athletic. I've been watching football for over 40 years, and played in high school, and the game has gotten consistently more violent and dangerous. It would take some courage to reverse that path, but the NFL and the colleges need to reform before kids no longer want to pay the price for playing.
The real answer is to change the game. To take actions to fundamentally reduce risks at all levels of the game. For instance, to limit the weights of the players, as in boxing. To reduce (yes, reduce) the amount of padding and restrict the most vicious tackles. In short, to turn football into something a little more like rugby.
It would be a different form of entertainment, but no less athletic. I've been watching football for over 40 years, and played in high school, and the game has gotten consistently more violent and dangerous. It would take some courage to reverse that path, but the NFL and the colleges need to reform before kids no longer want to pay the price for playing.
5
Frank, I wonder why you are not inveighing against motor sport, in which participants don't potentially die after a slow mental degeneration, but violently in front of thousands, and perhaps millions, of people - look at the deaths of Senna or Earnhardt or so many others. And yet we do not see the concerted calls for the abolition of F1 or NASCAR, nor their treatment as moral pariahs. Somehow, since the discovery of CTE, football has become a special case. No doubt CTE is an urgent problem, which is still poorly understood (you did not mention that the sample, in the study to which you referred, was explicitly not random; but this is not to invalidate the conclusions) - it seems likely that there is a genetic component. And we do not know whether the "concussions" mentioned by Gisele Bundchen would have met a clinical definition or whether, out of an abundance of uxorious concern, she overstated. But, as in motor sport, the solution will be through progressive safety improvements, not suggestions that particular players should retire.
3
With regards to motor sports, Formula 1 is actually a fantastic example of how a dangerous sport was made safe. After the deaths of Roland Ratzenberger and Aryton Senna at Imola during the 1994 San Marino Grand Prix, sweeping changes were made to the cars, the tracks, and the safety equipment. The number is Formula 1 deaths since 1994: 0.
Brady's ego has overpowered his judgment.
4
I really doubt that sir. He is the smartest player on the field.
2
At this point what parent would put their son into football? It starts with the wealthy and the educated for whom football is an amusement, not a ticket out of poverty, and soon goes mainstream.
Then, the sport starts to be seen for what it is: brutal, backward, scarring and more importantly, entertainment for "them".... the poor, the violent, the loser sad-sacks who couldn't get a better plan going. Think boxing.
So what this means is that Tom Brady will be the sad old, addled, drooling champion of a sport that was once BIG, but was abandoned and forgotten. He will end badly; we won't care.
Have a great season Tom!
Then, the sport starts to be seen for what it is: brutal, backward, scarring and more importantly, entertainment for "them".... the poor, the violent, the loser sad-sacks who couldn't get a better plan going. Think boxing.
So what this means is that Tom Brady will be the sad old, addled, drooling champion of a sport that was once BIG, but was abandoned and forgotten. He will end badly; we won't care.
Have a great season Tom!
5
I don't understand this whole issue. I am not a mean or callous person and I dont wish ill on anyone but these are grown men. If they think that there is a danger in their line of work then quit! No one has a gun to their head. There are plenty of people in our society who really need protections I dont think pro football players are one of them. If these people are so blinded by money then thats their problem. I am an accountant. I work in a small firm. I could work in a larger firm and make more money but the hours and stress would have a negative impact on my health and life so I choose not to. Can someone please explain this to me why this is an issue?
6
Kids get into football at a young age. They are lauded, admired, supported and made popular by playing (well). For some, it becomes the mainstay of their lives. The talented players eat, breathe, sleep and study football. The good ones get dates, endorsements and scholarships. They play in college, where the sport rules their lives. They are profoundly lucky if they wind up in the NFL, and by that time don't typically have other money-making skills. They are paid huge sums as professionals, and by now may support their families (who sacrificed along the way). And you ask them to quit? I don't think it's so simple.
3
Well said.
“'Why isn’t there a stronger drumbeat for him to retire?' Gladwell asked, adding, 'I do not want to see Tom Brady at 55 drooling into a cup.'"
cf. Achilles
cf. Achilles
Until fans, including Mr. Bruni and myself, take decisive action -- demanding new guidelines or boycotting the NFL -- this will not stop. The owners don't care, they're here to make money and satisfy their own egos. it has to start with the fans themselves
4
It is time to end the "gladiator" sport of American football and convert to "soccer" or football as the rest of the world calls it. The players also sustain injuries, but less so to the head, especially when bumping the ball with the head is banned. Parents should prevent their kids from joining football teams.
5
We should not focus on whether or not Tom Brady has suffered or will suffer brain damage. Rather, we need to protect our children from the undeniable long term impact football has on their brains. Most football playing children are induced to play the support by a parent. Children are incapable of analyzing or balancing the risks inherent in the game. It is extremely difficult for those who excel to abandon the sport. Parents must educate themselves and weigh all the risks before encouraging their children to start playing football.
4
It's all about the MONEY both College and Professional! The players chose to play for the financial rewards and the love of the game and they ignore the risks.
Also note the size and speed of the players today versus 20 years ago.
Also note the size and speed of the players today versus 20 years ago.
2
Any football fan will remember Dave Duerson as an integral part of the smartest, most fearsome defense in the history of the NFL. Many will recall that he took his own life at the age of 50, yet another victim of CTE. Most will not know that he was an Econ honors grad from Notre Dame before he was drafted by the Bears.
The game as currently played has simply become too dangerous.
The game as currently played has simply become too dangerous.
4
And to add to Mr. Vawter's comment, Dave Duerson told intimates that he felt the onset of effects of CTE and shot himself in his CHEST so his brain could be evaluated properly for the effects of CTE. An honors grad of Notre Dame and an honorable man, as well.
Friends were touting the start of college football season, a very partisan religious experience here in Oklahoma. I said that I couldn't enjoy watching it any more, knowing the danger of traumatic brain injuries. I was watching a Tulsa University game a few years ago when a kid from the opposing team was hit and his neck was broken. Given me some basketball for my sport experience.
4
The good news is the numbers of young people going out for football in high school are declining. As one high school athletic director told me: "suburban mothers will end this sport."
4
Young men will stop playing football when the public stops watching and betting on young men playing football (or boxing, or MMA). You control their future with your remote. Sure, they have a choice to make, and it's their responsibility, not mine or yours. But we create that choice by watching. The Romans didn't feed Christians to the lions because it was the only way to suppress Christianity; they did so because the crowds loved to watch.
2
Football? Lost interest years ago. Besides, there's a world of September baseball going on and with that available, why settle for not even third best?
2
Lots of talk and yet no meaningful decisions. The concerns for brain injury are well established. Whether we like it or not, these concerns will continue to be tested by time.
Eventually decisions will be made but right now we will continue to play the waiting game
Eventually decisions will be made but right now we will continue to play the waiting game
1
Brady doesn't care. The roar and adoration of the crowd matters more than his health.
He's not a very bright guy.
He's not a very bright guy.
4
As Maximus Decimus Meridius famously said (at least in Crowes movie...)
"Are you not entertained?"
People do find pleasure in watching mayhem. It’s a part of human nature. No matter how hard you want to deny it, there is a certain allure about it.
"Are you not entertained?"
People do find pleasure in watching mayhem. It’s a part of human nature. No matter how hard you want to deny it, there is a certain allure about it.
Football and most sports have been taken over by moneyed interests and are little more than Corporations masquerading as sport associations.
Cheating lying and deception have taken the place of sportsmanship.
Players that have no connection to the communities they "represent"
or even speak the language of the rest of the team.
The public is a bit like a dog with a ball fixation "ooh look at the ball,want that ball? Get the ball!
Are sports unhealthy? Not really, our win at all costs attitude is.
Cheating lying and deception have taken the place of sportsmanship.
Players that have no connection to the communities they "represent"
or even speak the language of the rest of the team.
The public is a bit like a dog with a ball fixation "ooh look at the ball,want that ball? Get the ball!
Are sports unhealthy? Not really, our win at all costs attitude is.
1
I haven't watched a sports event all year - not because of the inherent dangers, although I never liked the violence of football, but because of the sports announcers who fawn over and hype these athletes so that consumers keep watching so that the money can keep rolling in for all involved. Our society places way too much importance on building sports facilities and promoting college football over academics, all the while forgiving these men for spousal abuse, animal cruelty, and college rape. Sports in America (and throughout the world) has become a sleazy business, along with all the other sleazy businesses. I have no desire to watch it anymore.
2
Frank, if you want to reduce your guilt just a little, how about a follow up to this letter to the editor by James Gambone, linked below, from one of my local papers, the Star Tribune. It concerns the creation of a promising soft helmet by an inventor named Mike Dennis, rejected by the NFL because it wasn't hard enough to make the crashing sounds that they felt are an essential part of the game and the NFL business model. I'd like to know more about this.
http://www.startribune.com/readers-write-the-minnesota-state-fair-footba...
http://www.startribune.com/readers-write-the-minnesota-state-fair-footba...
2
Why do other people feel they can decide when Brady, or any player, 'should retire'. Why do others feel they get to decide if a person should play football? To a man, every former player interviewed, when asked if knowing what they now know re: CTE, would they still play, answer: "Are you kidding?, Of course they would play! They had a blast! No second thoughts.
2
Fifty years ago when I was in college, across the street from my house lived a retired sailor from US Navy. He was blown off the ship in an explosion. In his 50s the man looked like someone in the 70s and mumbled his words as if he he had gone past the maximum years allowed human beings. He did not have any part of his body that was not mangled, borken or twisted. Each time I saw him, my mind would flash back to a retired football player I knew who in his mid 50s looked a spit image of my neighbor. But a sports is not a war activity. We should do something to prevent the war-like horrors on players's bodies. A sports career may last only 5 - 10 years, but one may end up paying for the hits and punishment you receive for the rest of your life. War's horors may be out of our hands, but sports rules are not. We must do something to take out the hard hits to body above the shoulder. Hard hits are not necessary to enjoy a sports. I get as much pleasure and excitement in watching cricket matches that do have almost zero body contact.
5
Sport arenas for contact sports are just modern day coliseum with less blood and sweat, minus lions and tigers. There is always an audience thirsting for violence. They love watching other humans getting pommeled, hurt and in pain. The "winner" of the blood sports are called "heroes" and worshiped by kids. Such is the warped sense of the word "heroes"- people whose common sense is blunted by lure of money, fame and glory. That's nature of a portion of the species. SAD.
1
Gisele's disclosure about Brady's concussions help explain his avowed support of Donald Trump. Bill Belichick and Robert Kraft don't have that excuse. This former Patriots fan is shifting his allegiance to English Premier League.
1
Maybe deciding to steal the Jets' playbook, deflate footballs, and support Trump are early signs of CTE.
4
The choice is Brady's, but there's precious little data to inform his decision. Nobody knows how prevalent CTE actually is among retired NFL players. We know of 100 or so cases, but brains were not examined at random - they were all casees where CTE was already suspected. The result is a collection of anecdotes that has virtually no predictive value.
The NFL owes it to the players to conduct a statistically sound study that quantifies the risk..
The NFL owes it to the players to conduct a statistically sound study that quantifies the risk..
2
Maybe the reason Brady continues to play football is that he has suffered too many concussions.
1
The last thing any real football fan wants is for Brady to be like Ali in 10 years. That said, if he could play into his 70s he would. Football, boxing, MMa, hockey, and other sports pose huge risks to athletes. The players decision to play is theirs, but we need better rules in place to protect them from themselves.
18
Face it, football players are "objectified" just as fashion models are "objectified," (NYT article) for their bodies, not for their brains and personalities. Their value is measured in $ profits. Not okay, but we can make a choice not to participate, can't we? When I lived in NYC, my mother signed me up as a child model for Conover and Grace Downs. I hated modeling, felt like I was treated as a "thing," so when I had more say-so about my life, I chose not to be part of the model industry. My brother chose not to play football, with my father's blessing. In America, we get to choose. And to pay the price for our choices.
3
I wonder how football is a lawful enterprise--business, entertainment, or sport. We watch thousands of physical assaults and abuses when we watch a season of football, whether it's on a high-school field or NFL broadcast. Mr. Brady is intelligent--savvy, informed, and deliberate. Isn't the question: Why does he persist in an activity that is likely jeopardizing his health, his relationship with his wife, and his obligations to his children?
A better question is, why don't you understand his physical pursuit and the joyful self actualization it entails? He is a product of far more than a "lawful enterprise", as human history attests. We all breathe hazardous air and drink plastic in our water; we're willing to drive everywhere at great risk, and to burn the stuff that's hurting us every day. We all accept risks--it's just that some choose to do it in a more sublime and excellent manner.
The big issue is that fans of pro football get pleasure by watching people injure themselves -- causing players long-term damage. To alleviate the cognitive dissonance fans feel when their actions don't quite line up with their values, they may tell themselves that pro football players are adults, living the life they choose. This helps to get over the fact that they are complicit in destroying these lives, because if no one watched, there would be no pro football.
5
Frank, you long ago demonstrated yourself a person of heart and sensitivity. So how can it be that you're still watching football? Habit?
The only way to curtain this epidemic of brain injuries is for Americans to stop watching sports like football, boxing, hockey, any sport in fact where there is an unnatural amount of contact involving the head.
There's a wide world to be enjoyed beyond the realm of consciously violent sports.
The only way to curtain this epidemic of brain injuries is for Americans to stop watching sports like football, boxing, hockey, any sport in fact where there is an unnatural amount of contact involving the head.
There's a wide world to be enjoyed beyond the realm of consciously violent sports.
41
Excellent comment. You're my kinda guy. Thank you.
Well said.
Isn't it Tom Brady's choice to retire or not? Why are we imposing our opinions on him? He's an adult, living the life he wants. He's not hurting anyone. And he's not forcing his choice on anyone.
So what's the problem? Or rather, why do you have a say in how he chooses to live his life? It's his body after all.
So what's the problem? Or rather, why do you have a say in how he chooses to live his life? It's his body after all.
4
Remember his parents , wife and children. When he develops early senile dementia, or another degenerative brain disease possibly related to repeated brain trauma, they will suffer. There are victims.
Brady is an adult and can decide for himself. The bigger issue is kids - specifically re high school football programs. An emergency room trauma doctor on a radio interview recently said that permitting high school football is nothing less than child abuse. Should have been outlawed decades ago.
60
The football helmet and the faceguard are two inventions which do exactly what they were designed to do.
The helmet was designed to prevent skull fractures, a big problem in the early days of football, and it does so perfectly.
The faceguard was designed to prevent facial fractures and eye injuries and, along with the removable mouth piece, dental injuries. Again, the face guard works wonderfully.
Neither the helmet nor the faceguard offers any protection against concussions.
In fact, because the helmet and faceguard are very hard, they easily become weapons which increase the chance of a concussion in the opposing player.
Professional football players make choices, and the evidence of the lasting brain damage from multiple concussions is known to them.
As one considers the voluntary assumption of risk by players earlier in their life – in college, in high school, and in middle school – there is a point where society needs to say: Stop.
The helmet was designed to prevent skull fractures, a big problem in the early days of football, and it does so perfectly.
The faceguard was designed to prevent facial fractures and eye injuries and, along with the removable mouth piece, dental injuries. Again, the face guard works wonderfully.
Neither the helmet nor the faceguard offers any protection against concussions.
In fact, because the helmet and faceguard are very hard, they easily become weapons which increase the chance of a concussion in the opposing player.
Professional football players make choices, and the evidence of the lasting brain damage from multiple concussions is known to them.
As one considers the voluntary assumption of risk by players earlier in their life – in college, in high school, and in middle school – there is a point where society needs to say: Stop.
6
As we learn the dangers to those playing this sport, is it ethical for us to support it?
Will it be a form of child abuse/neglect to allow our children to play, much as not buckling them up when we get in a car?
We don't allow our children to play in the street because we know the danger in doing so.
Will it be a form of child abuse/neglect to allow our children to play, much as not buckling them up when we get in a car?
We don't allow our children to play in the street because we know the danger in doing so.
7
Not unlike global climate change. We'd rather carry on with our attachments than face the discomfort of the truth.
10
Football has become our politics and far too valuable the American psyche. Why be overly concerned with the future of Brady's brain, when we can talk endlessly about the "third down coverage?"
Sadly the American public cannot grasp the complexities of our real problems nor do they feel empowered to fix them. One reaction is to latch onto a game like football which appears complex and allows for grasping those supposed complexities, leading to endless discussions where all opinions are of value and all can be expert. There really is very little difference, in the mind of fan, between Vinnie from Brooklyn and a Meet the Press expert guest. Brady's possible degenerative brain disease is a small price to pay for Vinnie's soothing balm of discussion of a game he probably never played.
Sadly the American public cannot grasp the complexities of our real problems nor do they feel empowered to fix them. One reaction is to latch onto a game like football which appears complex and allows for grasping those supposed complexities, leading to endless discussions where all opinions are of value and all can be expert. There really is very little difference, in the mind of fan, between Vinnie from Brooklyn and a Meet the Press expert guest. Brady's possible degenerative brain disease is a small price to pay for Vinnie's soothing balm of discussion of a game he probably never played.
2
I think the drumbeat for Brady to retire isn't stronger because we all hope he'll be the exception, the anomaly or outlier, like the heavy smoker who lives well into his 80s.
Gladwell says it's the linemen, those who regularly knock heads in games and repeatedly in practice, who are at greatest risk. He states that it's not the single game time concussion that leads to permanent trauma. Brady is likely safer than most, therefore, as he doesn't endure ritual head banging.
This doesn't qualify as an endorsement of football's sanctioned violence. Rather it is a recognition that kickers and qb's, including Brady, have markedly great odds of remaining intact mentally than do other position players.
This doesn't qualify as an endorsement of football's sanctioned violence. Rather it is a recognition that kickers and qb's, including Brady, have markedly great odds of remaining intact mentally than do other position players.
2
Football is a lethal sport in which big, strong men propel their large masses into each other, often involving head-to-head contact. . The Romans thought it was good sport to watch men fight to the death and do battle with beasts; Americans have football. It's a huge business and there's a strong financial incentive involved. Yet, every year the statistics mount and football organizations from the NFL to the NCAA to high school athletic departments look the other way. CTE is real and it debilitates and kills.
There is something we can do. Parents can forbid their children to play tackle football. And all the rest of us can STOP WATCHING FOOTBALL.
There is something we can do. Parents can forbid their children to play tackle football. And all the rest of us can STOP WATCHING FOOTBALL.
12
I enjoy football as much as any other sport but like probably many others have become somewhat conflicted these days now that we know what repeated blows to the brain will do. I spent 5 years living and working in Sydney Australia recently and had football nearly year round between rugby and football. Rugby is safer for the brain because of the counterintuitive lack of helmets. You don't lead with your head in rugby or use it as a weapon since you have no protection there. But I do miss the forward pass in rugby.
I believe Tom Brady is making a calculated risk much like I do when running off a cliff attached to a hang glider, I analyse the conditions checkout my wing and decide if the risk I'm taking is acceptable. And once airborne I continue the same calculation and if conditions begin to change I need to get on the ground. Now I fully realise that the risk I might find acceptable is way beyond many others but that is my choice, probably much like Tom's but then again I have no young children who might want me around and functioning normally in their high school years and beyond.
I believe Tom Brady is making a calculated risk much like I do when running off a cliff attached to a hang glider, I analyse the conditions checkout my wing and decide if the risk I'm taking is acceptable. And once airborne I continue the same calculation and if conditions begin to change I need to get on the ground. Now I fully realise that the risk I might find acceptable is way beyond many others but that is my choice, probably much like Tom's but then again I have no young children who might want me around and functioning normally in their high school years and beyond.
The saddest thing I have seen was the ex-NFL player, Brian Price, confused and running through a plate glass door 6 weeks ago in Michigan. He played 3 years with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers only to retire because of injuries.
Why do we willingly give our children to a "sport" with a nearly universal risk among its apex players of untreatable brain injury? This is a slow-motion replay of the Hunger Games. Advertisers will soon realize they are paying for human beings to destroy one another and they are sullying their reputations in the process.
Why do we willingly give our children to a "sport" with a nearly universal risk among its apex players of untreatable brain injury? This is a slow-motion replay of the Hunger Games. Advertisers will soon realize they are paying for human beings to destroy one another and they are sullying their reputations in the process.
2
I think he's right in general, but I hope wrong in the particular.
Omalu's article several weeks back expands the danger to players' brains beyond concussions. As Upton Sinclair said, "It's hard to get someone to understand something when their salary depends upon their not understanding it." It's hard to get fans to understand something, when enjoying their favorite exhilarating form of entertainment depends upon their not understanding it fully.
http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/20245394/dr-bennet-omalu-says-obsessi...
http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/20245394/dr-bennet-omalu-says-obsessi...
1
Nobody is forcing Brady or anybody else to play football. Just like drug addicts, if the Bradys of the world choose to abuse their bodies despite all the warnings they are exercising their own freely chosen stupidity. Sure, science and rules should continue to make the game safer, but let's not forget personal choice and responsibility.
Perhaps all the concussions are why he's an avid Trump supporter?
No, that can't be it. Other players suffer them and didn't support Trump.
As much as I enjoy watching football, it's impossible now for me to enjoy the game knowing that so many brilliantly talented young men are at insanely high risk of life-ending traumatic brain injuries, cutting short their time on earth. Combine that with the NFL's blatant black-balling of Colin Kaepernick, a still-talented and capable quarterback whose politics are diametrically opposed to Brady's and the owners of the NFL (Jerry Jones of Dallas and Woody Johnson of the Jets come to mind as ultra reactionaries) and my reaction to football is similar to my reaction to boxing, MMA, and ballet.
As much as I enjoy all 3 (ok, not so big on ballet) I cannot watch them anymore because I cannot condone the traumatic injuries that are inevitable to all 4. (Ballet encourages anorexia and destroys women's feet and ankles).
Yes, football is a risky game, more so than baseball or basketball. But every effort to make it safer is overshadowed by efforts to make it more dangerous. Remember when a 6'4" 300lb lineman was a giant? Now that's average! They hit harder and have shorter expected life spans. And the pay in the NFL? Still doesn't compare to MLB or the NBA.
No, that can't be it. Other players suffer them and didn't support Trump.
As much as I enjoy watching football, it's impossible now for me to enjoy the game knowing that so many brilliantly talented young men are at insanely high risk of life-ending traumatic brain injuries, cutting short their time on earth. Combine that with the NFL's blatant black-balling of Colin Kaepernick, a still-talented and capable quarterback whose politics are diametrically opposed to Brady's and the owners of the NFL (Jerry Jones of Dallas and Woody Johnson of the Jets come to mind as ultra reactionaries) and my reaction to football is similar to my reaction to boxing, MMA, and ballet.
As much as I enjoy all 3 (ok, not so big on ballet) I cannot watch them anymore because I cannot condone the traumatic injuries that are inevitable to all 4. (Ballet encourages anorexia and destroys women's feet and ankles).
Yes, football is a risky game, more so than baseball or basketball. But every effort to make it safer is overshadowed by efforts to make it more dangerous. Remember when a 6'4" 300lb lineman was a giant? Now that's average! They hit harder and have shorter expected life spans. And the pay in the NFL? Still doesn't compare to MLB or the NBA.
2
We have a remarkable ability to disregard inconvenient truths.
Surely, we know where our hamburger came from; obviously, that imagery is rarely, if ever, invoked -- certainly not at meal time, but I would wager, probably never.
Surely, we know that we are dumping huge amounts of pollution into our environment.
Surely, we know that every football play involves 3-5 players getting seriously whacked with a head injury. The numbers are probably greater during a kick-off or punt return, and fewer in a 3-point or extra-point attempt. But, more or less, we can count on the QB, RB, 1 or 2 WR getting whacked, virtually every non-special teams play.
But, out we drive to our friend's place or the bar for beer, burgers, and a good time!
Are you ready for some football?
If you want to send a message to the NFL, stop asking Brady to walk away.
**You** walk away, with your kids and family. Stop covering it. Stop playing in the office pool. Stop listening to scores, and talking about who won the superbowl. And, it will end.
Surely, we know where our hamburger came from; obviously, that imagery is rarely, if ever, invoked -- certainly not at meal time, but I would wager, probably never.
Surely, we know that we are dumping huge amounts of pollution into our environment.
Surely, we know that every football play involves 3-5 players getting seriously whacked with a head injury. The numbers are probably greater during a kick-off or punt return, and fewer in a 3-point or extra-point attempt. But, more or less, we can count on the QB, RB, 1 or 2 WR getting whacked, virtually every non-special teams play.
But, out we drive to our friend's place or the bar for beer, burgers, and a good time!
Are you ready for some football?
If you want to send a message to the NFL, stop asking Brady to walk away.
**You** walk away, with your kids and family. Stop covering it. Stop playing in the office pool. Stop listening to scores, and talking about who won the superbowl. And, it will end.
8
Obviously this game is addictive, both for the players and the audience. By law, do studies how players are affected over the years both physically and brain handicaps and please, please, please, please make it an illegal activity at high schools and universities.
5
Both our sons were fortunate enough to receive full scholarships at Div I schools. Bith excelled at the sport and both declined offers to play pro ball, choosing med school instead. I couldn't be happier for them. But I continue to question whether it was prudent to let them play football. How may that choice manifest itself years down the line? We parents ... we never quit worrying.
5
Bottom line is we care more about our 3 hours of enjoyment on Sunday afternoon than about the players and their families.
3
The important thing to realize is that even if Tom Brady were 55 and drooling into a cup, fans wouldn't care. The NFL has so entwined itself with its flag waving and rivalries, that people don't look at any of those people as people. They are highly paid, disposable cogs. I look at the facts, football kills people. I will not watch.
2
I grew up in the days of Willie Mays, Johnny Unitas, George Mikan, Paul Hornung and Ralph Kiner; and I loved those guys; but the present players just don't interest me in the way those guys did. Probably it's just my age; and the money they make; and the free agents; and the designated hitters; and the 350 lb. guards; and the 8 foot tall guys guarding 10 foot high baskets.
As for Brady, well yes he’s a marvel, but a marvel who subscribes to an all-organic, caffeine-free, anti-inflammatory dietary regimen and employs techniques for enhanced muscle pliability is no kind of marvel for me.
Johnny Unitas, the son of a coal miner, once got his nose broken in a game and packed mud into it to stop the bleeding. But not before he threatened to kill his coach -- I think it was Weeb Ewbank -- if he took him out of the game.
Now there was a marvel for me.
No pro footballer playing the game at the present time is unaware of the danger presented by concussions caused by repeatedly banging your head into a brick wall. They do it because they want to.
The best way of dissuading them from endangering themselves is to discontinue
the practice of paying them lavish salaries and lavish pensions after they get injured. But, of course, nobody is talking about that.
As for Brady, well yes he’s a marvel, but a marvel who subscribes to an all-organic, caffeine-free, anti-inflammatory dietary regimen and employs techniques for enhanced muscle pliability is no kind of marvel for me.
Johnny Unitas, the son of a coal miner, once got his nose broken in a game and packed mud into it to stop the bleeding. But not before he threatened to kill his coach -- I think it was Weeb Ewbank -- if he took him out of the game.
Now there was a marvel for me.
No pro footballer playing the game at the present time is unaware of the danger presented by concussions caused by repeatedly banging your head into a brick wall. They do it because they want to.
The best way of dissuading them from endangering themselves is to discontinue
the practice of paying them lavish salaries and lavish pensions after they get injured. But, of course, nobody is talking about that.
2
This could be a good time to remember that football is ritualized warfare. I wonder if the people thinking so hard about the on-field fate of their football youth and heroes also voted to send or agreed to send thousands and thousands of young people to Vietnam and then Afghanistan and Iraq. Those wars make less sense than any sport.
2
Watching football is the modern-day, functional equivalent of watching Gladiators in the Roman arenas. It's the taking of pleasure in watching other people destroy themselves for the benefit of our gratification and entertainment.
Personally, I can't stomach taking part in this spectacle as a spectator. After learning about and realizing the damage that is being done to young brains, I stopped watching my favorite college team, and didn't buy season tickets this year--because I don't want to see young people destroy themselves for my or anybody else's entertainment. I can't justify it.
And to all the parents out there: please think twice, or three times, before you let your son participate in this sport. (If we can even call it a "sport" at this point). You'd just setting your child up for brain damage.
Personally, I can't stomach taking part in this spectacle as a spectator. After learning about and realizing the damage that is being done to young brains, I stopped watching my favorite college team, and didn't buy season tickets this year--because I don't want to see young people destroy themselves for my or anybody else's entertainment. I can't justify it.
And to all the parents out there: please think twice, or three times, before you let your son participate in this sport. (If we can even call it a "sport" at this point). You'd just setting your child up for brain damage.
2
My dearest friend in the world, now 62, has had major life problems - both mental and physical - since his mid-thirties. He went from being a man who got up every day and went into the North Woods to cut wood. Married and the father of two, well-liked in his community. And then came the migraines. And then came entrance into a medical system that made many mistakes (addiction to Demerol for the migraines being the first of a cascade for the last thirty years). He became impulsive, made poor judgments, anger and negative emotions swirled through his life. There has always been for me the question of why? Why did this happen to him.
A month ago I was listening to On Point, NPR radio talk program, and the subject was concussions with the leading expert who broke the news of CTE and football players. He spoke of even one (ONE) concussion being a real problem and that no concussion can be 'treated' as claimed. A light bulb went off. I knew my friend played football in high school. So I asked. How many concussions have you had in your life? Four, he said. One as a young child, two (known) playing football and once knocked unconscious by a falling tree limb. I've thought a lot about this and I think that is the answer. Everyone has always looked for psychological issues from some unknown abuse or trauma. I think, now, it was the concussions.
I love football. I love Tom Brady. But, Tom.....it's not worth it. Enjoy your life after football. We'll survive.
A month ago I was listening to On Point, NPR radio talk program, and the subject was concussions with the leading expert who broke the news of CTE and football players. He spoke of even one (ONE) concussion being a real problem and that no concussion can be 'treated' as claimed. A light bulb went off. I knew my friend played football in high school. So I asked. How many concussions have you had in your life? Four, he said. One as a young child, two (known) playing football and once knocked unconscious by a falling tree limb. I've thought a lot about this and I think that is the answer. Everyone has always looked for psychological issues from some unknown abuse or trauma. I think, now, it was the concussions.
I love football. I love Tom Brady. But, Tom.....it's not worth it. Enjoy your life after football. We'll survive.
1
I wonder if there is a "use it or lose it" element to football TBI that is similar to Alzheimer's. As I recall, many "with it" people at autopsy have brains full of Alzheimer's prions. Keeping the brain engaged created work arounds for neurons that bypassed damaged areas.
Maybe Tom Brady's solution and others is to keep the regimen going physically and mentally after hanging up the helmet. Troy Aikman had amnesia on a couple occasions after brutal concussions. But almost twenty years after he retired, Aikman is a lucid football analyst.
Maybe Tom Brady's solution and others is to keep the regimen going physically and mentally after hanging up the helmet. Troy Aikman had amnesia on a couple occasions after brutal concussions. But almost twenty years after he retired, Aikman is a lucid football analyst.
I predict that within 10 years, the NFL will be touch football aided by technology to detect contact. It will be just as enjoyable a game.
In a nation that won't provide healthcare for all, allows guns to be sold with abandonment, disregards climate change, cuts education, cuts taxes on the rich, what does the brain of Tom Brady matter?
Don't get me wrong. All of these things matter, even the brain of Tom Brady - as laughable as that sounds. But, put in perspective, such a dilemma about his head is small potatoes.
We are a nation that readily countenances murder on our streets, thousands of deaths per year due to unaffordable healthcare. We allow the poor to remain poor when their schools don't get adequate funding and they become ill-equipped to compete in the global markets or give enlightened voice to defend their rights.
We watch the rich get richer because - well - who really understands that? Trickle-down economics is just a euphemism for greed.
It is so easy to remedy the amount of concussions in American football. Players should play without helmets and pads like they do in rugby. Then they won't be so tempted to use their heads and bodies as spears.
No, the problem of Tom Brady is indicative of a greater problem that afflicts America. A large portion of America, primarily Republicans, who refuse to accept that not everything should have a price tag on it. But in corporate America everything is a commodity, traded, bought and sold. Until this is changed, Tom Brady can play to the crowds and drool into the microphone when he turns fifty.
Don't get me wrong. All of these things matter, even the brain of Tom Brady - as laughable as that sounds. But, put in perspective, such a dilemma about his head is small potatoes.
We are a nation that readily countenances murder on our streets, thousands of deaths per year due to unaffordable healthcare. We allow the poor to remain poor when their schools don't get adequate funding and they become ill-equipped to compete in the global markets or give enlightened voice to defend their rights.
We watch the rich get richer because - well - who really understands that? Trickle-down economics is just a euphemism for greed.
It is so easy to remedy the amount of concussions in American football. Players should play without helmets and pads like they do in rugby. Then they won't be so tempted to use their heads and bodies as spears.
No, the problem of Tom Brady is indicative of a greater problem that afflicts America. A large portion of America, primarily Republicans, who refuse to accept that not everything should have a price tag on it. But in corporate America everything is a commodity, traded, bought and sold. Until this is changed, Tom Brady can play to the crowds and drool into the microphone when he turns fifty.
1
I remember many years ago watching Joe Namath, at the height of his career, on the Tonight Show. "Let's face it," he said, "If I couldn't throw a football I'd be pumping gas in Macon, Georgia." (Yeah, that was a long time ago.)
There are lots of dangerous occupations, fishing and woods work come to mind. Also police work and firefighting. Coal miners still face black lung (and of course coal country has long been the source of many pro footballers). Then there's the military and other inherently dangerous sports.
If you are going to recognize TB's intelligence, shouldn't you also respect his ability to make an informed decision about his choice of careers?
There are lots of dangerous occupations, fishing and woods work come to mind. Also police work and firefighting. Coal miners still face black lung (and of course coal country has long been the source of many pro footballers). Then there's the military and other inherently dangerous sports.
If you are going to recognize TB's intelligence, shouldn't you also respect his ability to make an informed decision about his choice of careers?
Think back to the roar of the crowd in the days of the Roman gladiators. Human nature is unchanged. The spectacle; the vicarious thrill of the observers fuels the action.
My team, Mr. Bruni, is the New England Patriots. You can have your Von Miller; I'll take Tom Brady any Sunday (day or night), Monday night, Thursday night, or, more rare, Saturday afternoon in December over any other NFL player. Ever.
I know this wonderful, magical run with Brady and Bill Belichick can't last forever. I must confess that I, one-third of a century older than our sainted quarterback, do worry about what kind of husband and father he will be when 50 sneaks up on him. And that will be soon; very soon. I know.
Unfortunately for all football fans, the NFL is a smoothly-packaged high that conceals the beauty and wonder of its (mostly) Sundays to give viewers around the world--not just the U.S.--a taste of the primitive jungle. We can see, glorified, what we would become (if we're not already there) if the jungle ruled our lives. Because it does; the brain seems to matter less than the primitive step of putting one foot in front of the other. Everything else, it seems, is ancillary.
I'm aware that the recent avalanche of brain-injury related incapacitations and deaths that have taken football greats and not-so-greats has chilled the way that I, anyway, look at football now. I don't watch college games because I don't want o be a voyeur of a young man's demise in front of millions. But what of the NFL? Perhaps a mandatory retirement at, say, 30?
But I'm selfish, Mr. Bruni. With every Brady/Belichick win, my ego swells. My brain? I never think about it.
I know this wonderful, magical run with Brady and Bill Belichick can't last forever. I must confess that I, one-third of a century older than our sainted quarterback, do worry about what kind of husband and father he will be when 50 sneaks up on him. And that will be soon; very soon. I know.
Unfortunately for all football fans, the NFL is a smoothly-packaged high that conceals the beauty and wonder of its (mostly) Sundays to give viewers around the world--not just the U.S.--a taste of the primitive jungle. We can see, glorified, what we would become (if we're not already there) if the jungle ruled our lives. Because it does; the brain seems to matter less than the primitive step of putting one foot in front of the other. Everything else, it seems, is ancillary.
I'm aware that the recent avalanche of brain-injury related incapacitations and deaths that have taken football greats and not-so-greats has chilled the way that I, anyway, look at football now. I don't watch college games because I don't want o be a voyeur of a young man's demise in front of millions. But what of the NFL? Perhaps a mandatory retirement at, say, 30?
But I'm selfish, Mr. Bruni. With every Brady/Belichick win, my ego swells. My brain? I never think about it.
1
The Ravens' John Urschel has a parallel career in mathematics, and recently quit football to start a PhD at MIT, as the chances of CTE were not worth the risk to him. Smart guy, probably a very smart move.
We were brought up to consider the Aztec and Inca as primitive, in part because of games that sometimes involved the "winner" literally giving his heart in sacrifice. Wasn't that more elegant than what we do to those whom we cheer on as they batter their brains out?
1
When we're finished talking about Tom Brady's brain, can we talk about the values of people who watch & support the carnage? Are we really any different from the Romans audiences watching slaves kill each other, or fight lions? Does the fact that we pay people millions of dollars to do it, instead of using slaves, make it better? Or does it make it worse? And no, I'm not telling you what you can or can't watch or do. I'm just saying that we haven't thought about the morality or ethics of it.
Fools.. My brother was institutionalized for most of his life. As a young man in the late 1940's and into the early 1960's he played football on every level from the elater helmeted Pop Warner leagues to high school and college. Long before anybody was talking concussion and its' dangers. He was not an old man when the effects of his game kicked in.. After a violent outbreak his first year at college, an episode that he found himself smashing doors on his dorm floor. and for some 2o years after being poked and scanned and the ingestion of every new physcotropic drug known to man . in the mid 80's he had his first MRI.. although niot conclusive as true diagnosis for this injury can only be determined after death.. The experts felt all along it was these injuries that Tom suffered from. Tom died in that hospital, after some 40 years a patient there. He died from a blow to the back of the head. No one knows if it was elf inflicted or due to a long running issue with one of the floor's orderlies. A fellow who was suspected in an earlier injury He had suffered. A broken neck from a fall no one saw. Not a good ending for a kid who loved football.. Are you reading this Mr. Brady .. at least you have the opportunity to make the right decision and aside from your love of the game, Think about your brain.. although you may have already stayed to long at the party.
Football is a drug. People who play it can't quit. And people who love to watch it can't get enough of it. Very few can get off a drug habit.
Can one feel anything for a gladiator, who chose this punishing but lucrative sport as a profession? Let him spend some of his fortune on care, should it become necessary, in the full knowledge that playing American football has destroyed a major part of his cerebral cortex. Those of us who have had traumatic brain injury as the result of accidents, abuse, crime should ask for Tom Brady to work with medicine before and after his demise to help alleviate the ravages of brain damage.
1
Would you rather have a short life in which you fulfilled all your dreams or a long life of regrets of paths not taken? Tom Brady made the first choice. I can't say it was the wrong one. If freedom means anything, it means the right to be wrong.
If we are worried about blows to the head, why not stop boxing, where the idea is to knock your opponent senseless? Is boxing really the "manly art of self-defense" anymore?
1
Rugby, which is a religion in more countries than the USA, is a full contact sport that does not use protective padding and helmets, other than ear protection. Does anyone know the statistics for body and brain damage for retired Rugby players?
There isn't a stronger drumbeat for him to retire because he is a cash cow and makes the NFL rich. Very few care about his health or well-being. They will use him up and replace him with someone new in a heartbeat. Then they will trot him out like they did Ali and ooh and ah over the sadness of it all.
can we talk about the Patriots surreptitiously
filming the Jet practices?
can we talk about deflate-gate and Brady's
four game suspension?
football is a violent,vicious game where hits
are magnified, courtesy of ESPN,into "hits of
the day,month or year," and TV "commentators "are paid to analyze ,(meaning,glorify)every gory moment.
and,hypocrite that Iam,I can not wait for my
beloved NY Giants to begin their Superbowl
run.
filming the Jet practices?
can we talk about deflate-gate and Brady's
four game suspension?
football is a violent,vicious game where hits
are magnified, courtesy of ESPN,into "hits of
the day,month or year," and TV "commentators "are paid to analyze ,(meaning,glorify)every gory moment.
and,hypocrite that Iam,I can not wait for my
beloved NY Giants to begin their Superbowl
run.
1
Football could easily revert to a relatively safe game if the equipment players wear was cut back to what rugby and soccer players wear - from the ground up, cleats, shorts, a jockstrap with a cup, a shirt and - maybe - a mouthpiece.
The modern player wears about 40 pounds of equipment, including a $500 helmet. The defensive players use their bodies as guided missiles, with the helmet akin to the warhead, to be launched at the opponents body or head. They can do this without fear of broken noses or bleeding scalps, and they can sustain blows that do not individually produce concussions, but when repeated dozens of times each day during the football season - that's about 3,000 per year from the age of eight - peewee football - through retirement at, say, 32 -72,000 hits - brain damage is all but assured for any young man who plays as a professional.
Rugby players tackle with their arms, and put their heads behind a runner. There is no intentional head-to-head contact, because it would feel suicidal. They suffer broken bones, cracked ribs, and many more injuries, but brain damage? No.
We could still enjoy watching, and even playing, tackle football, a much more complex and interesting game than rugby. I would change two rules, though - continuous play, i.e. no time outs except for injury, with substitutions made on the fly, as in ice hockey. That would eliminate the 300+ pound linemen who can barely breath even with time outs. And players playing both offense and defense.
The modern player wears about 40 pounds of equipment, including a $500 helmet. The defensive players use their bodies as guided missiles, with the helmet akin to the warhead, to be launched at the opponents body or head. They can do this without fear of broken noses or bleeding scalps, and they can sustain blows that do not individually produce concussions, but when repeated dozens of times each day during the football season - that's about 3,000 per year from the age of eight - peewee football - through retirement at, say, 32 -72,000 hits - brain damage is all but assured for any young man who plays as a professional.
Rugby players tackle with their arms, and put their heads behind a runner. There is no intentional head-to-head contact, because it would feel suicidal. They suffer broken bones, cracked ribs, and many more injuries, but brain damage? No.
We could still enjoy watching, and even playing, tackle football, a much more complex and interesting game than rugby. I would change two rules, though - continuous play, i.e. no time outs except for injury, with substitutions made on the fly, as in ice hockey. That would eliminate the 300+ pound linemen who can barely breath even with time outs. And players playing both offense and defense.
So what's the answer? Ban Football? Make Tom Brady retire? Most of these athletes are willing to gamble their health...in exchange for the right to be paid $10-20 million a year. No other job offers them this kind of lucrative opportunity. How is football any more dangerous than boxing or racing...we haven't banned that. I find this hostility against football puzzling. Young & old, rich & poor, black & white, men &women, couples & families & everything in between. They are all there, having a great time. Except one group, sadly members of the left are noticeable absent. Have yet to see anyone from the Gender Studies Dept. rush the field & tear down the goal posts after the big win. And surprisingly no face painters from tenured professors who teach "Politicizing Beyoncé"...not one. Wonder why? Perhaps too busy churning out a cacophony of white papers for the upcoming NYU seminar:Psychology, Interaction, & Qualitative Approaches to a Cis Gender Economy ....yes? Hate to break it to the author of this column there are risks in anything you do. Yes we need to monitor players health but why destroy something that is joyful? Perhaps because happiness is self-contained & self-sufficient. Happy people have no time & no use for you. Happy people are free. So kill their joy in living. Unhappy people will come to you. They’ll need you. They’ll come for consolation, for support, for escape. Nature allows no vacuum. Empty man’s soul – and the space is yours to fill. Could that be it?
1
"My team is the Denver Broncos."
After writing this column, how can you even say that?
Elimination of the flying wedge, first introduced in a Harvard-Yale contest in 1892, was a good step in the right direction for college football (the "pro" football of the time) after (of all people) Teddy Roosevelt noted that something had to be done after 18 college kids died and another 137 were seriously injured playing this “game” during the 1905 season, labeled a “death harvest” by the Chicago Tribune. Football almost died after that year, though regrettably Roosevelt worked to save it in his capacity as President.
The level of athleticism in the NFL today means that, as has been noted: "The first day you play football is your last pain-free day."
American football is a brutal and barbaric sport and should be phased out of existence as soon as possible. We should begin by relegating its broadcasting (along with hockey, as far as I’m concerned) solely to cable, as is the case for boxing and UFC – two sports actually even more savage in their own right.
We’ve been evolving down enough lately. Just to even things out, how about a little more “up” for a change?
After writing this column, how can you even say that?
Elimination of the flying wedge, first introduced in a Harvard-Yale contest in 1892, was a good step in the right direction for college football (the "pro" football of the time) after (of all people) Teddy Roosevelt noted that something had to be done after 18 college kids died and another 137 were seriously injured playing this “game” during the 1905 season, labeled a “death harvest” by the Chicago Tribune. Football almost died after that year, though regrettably Roosevelt worked to save it in his capacity as President.
The level of athleticism in the NFL today means that, as has been noted: "The first day you play football is your last pain-free day."
American football is a brutal and barbaric sport and should be phased out of existence as soon as possible. We should begin by relegating its broadcasting (along with hockey, as far as I’m concerned) solely to cable, as is the case for boxing and UFC – two sports actually even more savage in their own right.
We’ve been evolving down enough lately. Just to even things out, how about a little more “up” for a change?
1
Great column Frank. I wonder what the statistics on brain deterioration is for college players who end their football career on graduation.
Re Thursday night football - what a stupid idea. I for one will find better things to do on Thursday nights.
Re Thursday night football - what a stupid idea. I for one will find better things to do on Thursday nights.
While I hate to make light of a very serious topic, I wonder if we have found the explanation for TB 12's support of Trump.
1
It is clear the NY Times would like to see football no longer a sport. Where is the article showing the benefits of youth sports, and don't tell me there are other sports kids can play. When are you going to talk about hockey concussions (the helmets haven't changed in years), cheerleading concussions, wrestling concussions (highest in kids sports!). I don't see high schoolers wearing helmets on their bikes.
My point is- risks are everywhere. Talk about the benefits of kids playing the sport. My husband got out of Appalachia and went to college playing the sport and is the hardest working person I know because of football. He will tell you it was worth it.
My point is- risks are everywhere. Talk about the benefits of kids playing the sport. My husband got out of Appalachia and went to college playing the sport and is the hardest working person I know because of football. He will tell you it was worth it.
23
this is called living in denial. out of personal interest.
This was't the New York Times talking, it was Frank Bruni...who is paid to give his opinion.
4
Maybe if the NFL hadn't work so hard to denied there problem or hadn't lied. Maybe if there wasn't so much evidence adding up to prove how bad and how wide spread the damage is. Then maybe the NYT wouldn't be writing these articles. But they are and what angers you is that you would rather enjoy the game and not have to think about the damage. So you attack the messenger, implying there wouldn't be any issue if only the New York Times would just shut up.
PS. My brother-in-law also played college football. He is a wreak. He will tell you it wasn't worth it.
PS. My brother-in-law also played college football. He is a wreak. He will tell you it wasn't worth it.
1
Mr. Bruni hits the nail on the head here, or in football terms crushes the opposing team. As a Buffalo Bills fan myself for over 50 years, I am wondering if I can enjoy the game having learned so much about degenerative brain trauma. As much as I am no fan of Tom Brady and the New England Patriots, I am a big fan of Dads and Granddads and wouldn't want anyone to be significantly less for their kids and grandkids because they played football. It just isn't worth it! There is no amount of money you could pay me to lose the delight I have in playing with my grandchildren.
3
"As a Buffalo Bills fan myself for over 50 years, I am wondering if I can enjoy the game "
Most Bills fans recognize a lot sooner that they can never enjoy the game.
Most Bills fans recognize a lot sooner that they can never enjoy the game.
Our modern day gladiators serve the same purpose as gladiators of ancient Rome. Our teams don't play with swords and axes, but with body blows, slams and hits. Sadly, more than not, people are thrilled by blood-sport. Winning is fine, but brutalizing the visiting team is what loyal fans want.
Football is team-style boxing. The last men standing are glorified, then forgotten when they leave the field punch-drunk.
Football is team-style boxing. The last men standing are glorified, then forgotten when they leave the field punch-drunk.
149
"Sadly, more than not, people are thrilled by blood-sport. Winning is fine, but brutalizing the visiting team is what loyal fans want. "
This is a glib, inaccurate analysis. Yes, football has big hits, but it also has incredible athleticism and cunning strategy (watch the fake spike UCLA executed last Saturday to win against Texas A&M in one of the biggest comebacks in college history). Most loyal fans I know enjoy many aspects of the game more than "brutalizing" the other team. Stereotyping doesn't move the conversation forward.
This is a glib, inaccurate analysis. Yes, football has big hits, but it also has incredible athleticism and cunning strategy (watch the fake spike UCLA executed last Saturday to win against Texas A&M in one of the biggest comebacks in college history). Most loyal fans I know enjoy many aspects of the game more than "brutalizing" the other team. Stereotyping doesn't move the conversation forward.
The term of "punch drunk" is most relevant, it is how boxers reel and slur their speech after having boxed too long, too many head blows. Same as many football players.
2
While it is true that nobody forces the adult men to play, there is the question of teens and sub-teens playing. Given their brains are still developing, the risks are greater. The decision lies with the adults, not them. Of course without fresh meat every year, the pipeline dries up, and there is WAY too much money involved for that to happen.
As a society, NFL players are idolized far beyond their contributions. Win the Big Game and there will be a civic holiday and celebration. 15 or 20 years later, many will become featured in a "10 players who lost it all" bit of click bait.
Everything a person is depends on the 3 lbs of neural tissue above their neck. Perhaps it's time for the adults to step up and say no more.
As a society, NFL players are idolized far beyond their contributions. Win the Big Game and there will be a civic holiday and celebration. 15 or 20 years later, many will become featured in a "10 players who lost it all" bit of click bait.
Everything a person is depends on the 3 lbs of neural tissue above their neck. Perhaps it's time for the adults to step up and say no more.
1
All sports have a level of danger inherent in them. Laird Hamilton rides skyscraper sized waves. MLB players get hit by 100 MPH fastballs. Soccer stars twist their limbs. Chess players fear mental obliteration! My son jumps off 25 foot walls at the quarry. If there were no pay, as there often is not, people would still engage in these activities.
I think there's a lot of incidental, non essential, violence that can be taken out of football. I'm not sure if flag football will take over the NFL though. The sense of danger is essential to why we watch and play, perhaps. The bravery is what separates the Brady's from the you and me's.
It's up to leagues to define the risks their willing to permit. It's up to parents to decide if they'll let their kids play football. Luckily my son doesn't want to and I don't have to tell him no.
I think there's a lot of incidental, non essential, violence that can be taken out of football. I'm not sure if flag football will take over the NFL though. The sense of danger is essential to why we watch and play, perhaps. The bravery is what separates the Brady's from the you and me's.
It's up to leagues to define the risks their willing to permit. It's up to parents to decide if they'll let their kids play football. Luckily my son doesn't want to and I don't have to tell him no.
2
Football gave my son access to an elite college - it gave him that leg up that got him in. It was Division 3, which isn't nearly as punishing as D 1, but I pray he is ok. He could have played college Lacrosse, and even just a few years out I can't believe we let him choose football.
1
I played as much football as my limited talent would allow when I was young, and have been watching the game for 60 some years (no I wasn't around in the leather helmet days!). The game has become more dangerous, in my opinion, due to a few small changes the players, and maybe the coaches, have made. Tackling is the real culprit. When I played we were taught how to tackle properly, usually from the side or back, and if head on, leading with the shoulder. What I see a lot of these days is players launching themselves like missiles, head first, into another player. Lots of other sloppy technique as well that leads to getting the head banged.
Football is a beautiful sport, combining brain and brawn. A return to fundamentals might help keep the injury rate down.
Football is a beautiful sport, combining brain and brawn. A return to fundamentals might help keep the injury rate down.
4
I think the increasing awareness of the long term damage suffered by players of professional sports is a good thing. But I wonder why the concern over these players physical and mental fortitude as they age does not translate into real world jobs. I work in disability law and am frustrated by the way lawyers, judges, and even some doctors cannot understand why an individual who has done hard manual labor their entire adult life is a physical wreck by their early 40's.
Not that money is everything, but Tom Brady's contracted through the 2019 in a 4-year $60 million dollar deal. He also has endorsements and a rich wife. He will retire a wealthy man and will likely enjoy a post-career in broadcasting or coaching if he wants. Most people who find themselves 'aging' out of their jobs in their 40's and 50's are not so fortunate.
Not that money is everything, but Tom Brady's contracted through the 2019 in a 4-year $60 million dollar deal. He also has endorsements and a rich wife. He will retire a wealthy man and will likely enjoy a post-career in broadcasting or coaching if he wants. Most people who find themselves 'aging' out of their jobs in their 40's and 50's are not so fortunate.
13
If he is having a concussion a year, (or more) in addition to his college years, that's too many. As a neuropsych doc, I've assessed boxers, football players and military traumatic brain injury. By the time they begin to notice the changes and get past the denial, it's irreversible and usually progressive. The research is there, like it or not.
Better helmets won't work, they just protect the skull. The brain hits the inside of the skull (coup), then bounces over to the other side of the skull (contrecoup), all the while the bottom of the brain scrapes along the bony protuberances of the bottom of the skull. The force of impact and return also produces widespread movement on the microscopic level widening the distance between neurons to interrupt thought pathways. Because of over-learning in some activities there are multiple pathways, but as more are sheared away, the impairments become obvious.
I just can't watch brain cells dying for our amusement and big money anymore. At the very least, the Players Union should insist on yearly pre & post season testing to assess the damage, and it should be part of every contract. Then we'll have real life data to go on. Then we can address everyone's denial.
Better helmets won't work, they just protect the skull. The brain hits the inside of the skull (coup), then bounces over to the other side of the skull (contrecoup), all the while the bottom of the brain scrapes along the bony protuberances of the bottom of the skull. The force of impact and return also produces widespread movement on the microscopic level widening the distance between neurons to interrupt thought pathways. Because of over-learning in some activities there are multiple pathways, but as more are sheared away, the impairments become obvious.
I just can't watch brain cells dying for our amusement and big money anymore. At the very least, the Players Union should insist on yearly pre & post season testing to assess the damage, and it should be part of every contract. Then we'll have real life data to go on. Then we can address everyone's denial.
650
They can alter the game rules to stop the head as weapon practices. It needs to happen. It is all about MONEY! Bruni is right. The fans need to step up and demand protection for these players they claim to revere!
Actually, the NFL has already done pretty much what you suggest. Every player is assessed prior to the season with cognitive tests. If they suffer a concussion, they are not supposed to return to the field until testing shows that they have recovered, with post-injury test results compared with pre-season results on the cognitive tests. Why the NFL hasn't used these annual tests to determine the degree, if any, of mental deterioration over time, I can't say. That would seem worth doing, because at this point no one can say just how prevalent CTE or other brain damage is among players. What we're going on now is a self-selected sample that consists of less than one-half of one percent of former players, which hardly seems scientific. Anyone who says that playing football is a sure ticket to dementia is either lying, stupid or brainwashed, because no one knows the prevalence of brain damage in players. That's the key question and it maddening that no one seems interested in answering it, even though the means, and in some cases the necessary data, exists.
1
NFL player contracts should include disclaimers like, "Frequent hard contact can lead to CTE, which presents itself when you are in your fifties and sixties. It is a progressive disease that always results in death."
Unfortunately, the NFL is in denial because acknowledging this would result in bankruptcy due to class action lawsuits.
Unfortunately, the NFL is in denial because acknowledging this would result in bankruptcy due to class action lawsuits.
1
I wish that the excessive violence was removed from football and hockey (another fantastic sport spoiled by gratuitous violence IMO), but I'm not sure a world in which cage fighting (UFC) and boxing are thriving agrees with me, so for now I'll take a pass on watching any sport where injuring the opponent is part of the game.
9
NFL legend quarterback Brett Favre played for 20 years. At 47, he appears to be enjoying life, and on the circuit talking about traumatic brain injury, advising parents not to let young children play tackle football.
In 2013, three years after he left the NFL he turned down an offer with the Rams because he admitted to having memory issues. Time will tell how football pays back Brett Favre and Tom Brady. Yes, they made a deliberate choice to play pro football. Don't ban football, make it safer for pros and for the kids that want to be future pros.
In 2013, three years after he left the NFL he turned down an offer with the Rams because he admitted to having memory issues. Time will tell how football pays back Brett Favre and Tom Brady. Yes, they made a deliberate choice to play pro football. Don't ban football, make it safer for pros and for the kids that want to be future pros.
6
Quarterbacks have it easiest, except for the place kickers.
1
Many of us are debating the morality of our love of the game. The players most at risk are the offensive and defensive lineman, whose brain receives a shock on almost every play as they collide. Mr. Brady is an amazing athlete, but his success is also due to the coaching scheme. Almost all his throws are short distance and delivered before 3 seconds. This has preserved his body and mind.
But how can we make this game safer? I quit watching boxing 30 years ago. I'm having difficult weaning myself from football.
You can be mentally handicapped without football. see Mr. Trump./
But how can we make this game safer? I quit watching boxing 30 years ago. I'm having difficult weaning myself from football.
You can be mentally handicapped without football. see Mr. Trump./
20
The rewards to Brady have been immense, beyond what most of us can imagine - there would be no shortage of those who wish they could change places, no matter what the risks - [which ARE lower for a quarterback].
From Ms. Bundchen's "slip" it's clear that they HAVE talked about the risks - perhaps she'd like him to retire. I don't know enough about his thinking to know if he really believes his regimen can make his body bulletproof forever - but he has remarkable discipline.
His only disturbing intellectual slip so far (IMHO) - one shared by his boss - is his vocal support of a particular candidate who shall be nameless here. His first 40 years have been exciting and successful; which puts him into the elite of elites.
The big issue out there is about young people playing football whose likelihood of such success is about the same as winning at Powerball. The likelihood of being hurt? We don't know exactly, but no parent wants their chid to take any unnecessary risk that could ruin their life.
I might take a close look at the brains of those who run the NFL - and maybe of college coaches and administrators who give them full control of sports - who risk others' brains for their own gain.
At some point, there will be a criminal prosecution of a coach who put someone on the field despite having good reason to believe the player had had one or more head injuries placing him at high risk. That may lead to change.
From Ms. Bundchen's "slip" it's clear that they HAVE talked about the risks - perhaps she'd like him to retire. I don't know enough about his thinking to know if he really believes his regimen can make his body bulletproof forever - but he has remarkable discipline.
His only disturbing intellectual slip so far (IMHO) - one shared by his boss - is his vocal support of a particular candidate who shall be nameless here. His first 40 years have been exciting and successful; which puts him into the elite of elites.
The big issue out there is about young people playing football whose likelihood of such success is about the same as winning at Powerball. The likelihood of being hurt? We don't know exactly, but no parent wants their chid to take any unnecessary risk that could ruin their life.
I might take a close look at the brains of those who run the NFL - and maybe of college coaches and administrators who give them full control of sports - who risk others' brains for their own gain.
At some point, there will be a criminal prosecution of a coach who put someone on the field despite having good reason to believe the player had had one or more head injuries placing him at high risk. That may lead to change.
2
Sorry Frank, but if you have a "my team" and a favorite linebacker that you admire then you are as complicit as anyone. Football is to the majority a great game to watch, exciting to play and for a select few, a way to be famous, or in some cases infamous and wealthy beyond any measure of their childhood imagination or their non-athletic gifts. Football is not going away, so let's continue to concentrate on ways/ rules to make it safer.
6
Sorry, doc. The Lawyers & the mothers will decide if football continues. When some brain damaged person wins a big law suit against a team or college or school system we will rethink how our taxes are spent. When mothers start to say No to peewee football & high school football the feeder system for the game will shrink.
I'm a lifelong football fan, but at this point it's more of an addiction I can't quit than something I actually like. I played in high school, had at least two concussions, probably more, and mostly thank god I wasn't good enough to play beyond high school. My brain is OK, but that's probably because I wasn't that good a player and didn't play that long.
The game should die. The evidence is beyond overwhelming that it's not safe and it's madness to be sending kids, from age 5 through high school out there to slam their heads into each other. I'll probably watch it as long as it's there to watch, so I'm part of the problem, I fully understand. But the game is destroying young men and keeping too many of them from being old men and too many more from being healthy older men. It's got to stop.
The game should die. The evidence is beyond overwhelming that it's not safe and it's madness to be sending kids, from age 5 through high school out there to slam their heads into each other. I'll probably watch it as long as it's there to watch, so I'm part of the problem, I fully understand. But the game is destroying young men and keeping too many of them from being old men and too many more from being healthy older men. It's got to stop.
70
Sounds as though you need to form a 12-step group and face your addiction!
If the NFL is forced to provide long-term health and care insurance for its players, it will find a way to protect the players from such extreme injury. We can all fret and cluck about how upsetting it is to see these athletes endanger themselves, but nothing will change until the economics of the game do.
39
I just can't buy all of this hysteria about football. Life is full of risks. These athletes choose to play football, just as I choose to get into my car and drive every day and take the risks that go with doing so, and others choose to become police officers, firefighters, vote for Donald Trump (snark), go swimming, stay home during strong hurricanes, fly, ride motorcycles...the list is endless.
Without risk, there is no life. No one gets out of this life alive. Let's chill out and enjoy it as best we can, and be glad for people who are willing to actively take risks, even as the rest of us do so passively on a daily basis.
Without risk, there is no life. No one gets out of this life alive. Let's chill out and enjoy it as best we can, and be glad for people who are willing to actively take risks, even as the rest of us do so passively on a daily basis.
4
Virginia: you are very flippant with other people's lives. I played football in high school and still love the game. However, it is time to realize that what we are doing to our brains is damaging. I don't know the answer. We are not going to stop the game, but at least let's be honest and a little less flippant.
"These athletes choose to play football, just as I choose to get into my car and drive every day and take the risks that go with doing so . . ."
Oh? And do you get in your car and, at 30 MPH, drive it into a brick wall weekly, "Virginia"?
Frederick O. Greene, Albuquerque, NM
Oh? And do you get in your car and, at 30 MPH, drive it into a brick wall weekly, "Virginia"?
Frederick O. Greene, Albuquerque, NM
Perhaps we should resurrect ancient Mayan games involving decapitation of competitors and Druid human sacrifice. After all, life’s full of risks anyway, right?
You know, the unholy triad of football, casino gambling, and beauty pageants helped put Trump where he is today – they cater to the basest of our instincts – what more need be said? But realistically, considering human nature, how are we ever supposed to get rid of them? How do you stuff the genie back into the bottle? Maybe you just can’t.
You know, the unholy triad of football, casino gambling, and beauty pageants helped put Trump where he is today – they cater to the basest of our instincts – what more need be said? But realistically, considering human nature, how are we ever supposed to get rid of them? How do you stuff the genie back into the bottle? Maybe you just can’t.
Dear Mr. Bruni,
You mistakenly portray "NFL" football as a "sport".
It isn't. Like all "major league" entities, its a "business" and the individuals playing for this "business" are merely workers for that business who, as sometimes happens to farmers, auto workers, etc., can become injured as they do their jobs.
When the fans recognize this, as I did when I gave up on all major league sports, then they will also realize they might as well go cheer for their favorite stock on the "Big Board". As far as I know, the traders on the floor suffer no traumatic injuries except, perhaps, to their portfolios.
You mistakenly portray "NFL" football as a "sport".
It isn't. Like all "major league" entities, its a "business" and the individuals playing for this "business" are merely workers for that business who, as sometimes happens to farmers, auto workers, etc., can become injured as they do their jobs.
When the fans recognize this, as I did when I gave up on all major league sports, then they will also realize they might as well go cheer for their favorite stock on the "Big Board". As far as I know, the traders on the floor suffer no traumatic injuries except, perhaps, to their portfolios.
45
Football should be outlawed as should boxing and so-called mixed martial arts. The latter two more obviously so because the object of each is to knock the opponent unconscious or at least senseless.
Football is more involved yet when in each case a "great hit" is made during a play, the announcers become euphoric. Multiple replays are shown coupled with some debate about whether the hit was lawful within the rules of football. At worst, a player gets a 15 yard penalty for unnecessary roughness.
Part of the reason we watch, if we are honest, is to see these "great hits." That is bad enough, but the CTE problem resulting from concussions is much more subtle. Rarely do we spend much time focusing on a player who "has his bell rung" and more often we do not know about it.
Were football a product that we used, it would be considered inherently dangerous and its vendors subject to tort liability. But Is it the dangerousness and the violence that sells the tickets or is it the skills demonstrated? Would non-violent football sell?
Flag football is a pretty popular intramural sport and requires many of the same skills of tackle football but without the violence. No helmets and no pads would be needed. The game might even be faster without 300+ pound lineman. I'd pay money to watch Tom Brady play flag football at least once, maybe more.
Football is more involved yet when in each case a "great hit" is made during a play, the announcers become euphoric. Multiple replays are shown coupled with some debate about whether the hit was lawful within the rules of football. At worst, a player gets a 15 yard penalty for unnecessary roughness.
Part of the reason we watch, if we are honest, is to see these "great hits." That is bad enough, but the CTE problem resulting from concussions is much more subtle. Rarely do we spend much time focusing on a player who "has his bell rung" and more often we do not know about it.
Were football a product that we used, it would be considered inherently dangerous and its vendors subject to tort liability. But Is it the dangerousness and the violence that sells the tickets or is it the skills demonstrated? Would non-violent football sell?
Flag football is a pretty popular intramural sport and requires many of the same skills of tackle football but without the violence. No helmets and no pads would be needed. The game might even be faster without 300+ pound lineman. I'd pay money to watch Tom Brady play flag football at least once, maybe more.
8
It is completely naive and ridiculous to even suggest the possibility of football being "outlawed".
Possibly naive, but not ridiculous. Naive because football is too big to fail. There's huge amounts of money being made in the football industry from NFL down through high school, and those making the money will not let it evaporate. But how parents can let their children risk permanent lifetime brain damage playing it is beyond my understanding. And please understand that I do have a love/hate relationship with football. It's a great spectator sport, but playing it is an ultra-hazardous activity.
We will always have wars because young men seek glory by showing off their bravery and courage without assessing the possible consequences of their action. They never stop to think they could be maimed or killed in combat. Football players have the same mindset. It's a macho game, and even when there is no financial reward, as in high school or college, there is adulation by spectators to be gained. None of them ever thinks anything negative will happen to them. They only happen to others.
7
Then again, maybe they really enjoy playing the game.
1
The best thing Tom Brady could do for the health of America's youth is to retire and say he is retiring because the game has become too dangerous, especially because of concussions. He should say that he wouldn't want his kids to play football, and he urges parents to involve their kids in other sports. That would say more about him than his record-breaking career.
89
And that would be the end of the money faucet for him and his lovely, concerned "Gisele". Dream on.
Frederick Oscar Greene, Land of In-stru-ment
Frederick Oscar Greene, Land of In-stru-ment
I'm wondering how long colleges -- which are in the businesses of making people smarter -- will be allowed to make and spend huge amounts of money, much of it public money, on a sport that causes brain damage. At this point, because parents are already concerned about brain damage from football, I gather that many high schools have difficulties getting enough players to put a varsity team on the field. I don't doubt that this will eventually have an impact on college and pro levels of the sport.
All things considered, I think football is living through its final decade or two, at least in the manner it is now played. That is as it should be, given what we now know about the sport.
All things considered, I think football is living through its final decade or two, at least in the manner it is now played. That is as it should be, given what we now know about the sport.
60
I don’t doubt that this will eventually have an impact on college and pro levels of the sport.
We can only hope.
We can only hope.
It's no secret that many of our public universities depend upon football for a big chunk of their revenues. Fans are a whole alumni cult, and at the university I attended, threaten to withhold support if decisions about coaches, the stadium, and the education of players are not to their liking. Years ago, a professor got fired for failing a popular player in a course. That's when I quit watching, and I bite my tongue when invited to "big" week-ends.
Manning is the avatar of the American cult of football. He could perhaps save himself by retiring, but it would be even better if he denounced the cult on his way out. Or maybe his wife will start a foundation to discredit the sport after he's gone. I feel for her.
Manning is the avatar of the American cult of football. He could perhaps save himself by retiring, but it would be even better if he denounced the cult on his way out. Or maybe his wife will start a foundation to discredit the sport after he's gone. I feel for her.
I wonder how many players on today’s major college football teams are actually attending classes and carrying the course load of any average student. I can’t imagine one of them telling the coach, “Gotta leave practice early today. Have to study for my philosophy mid-term.” Please show me some stats that will prove me wrong.
And I am not sure that colleges/universities are in the business of making people smarter. I think they are financial institutions whose goals are increasing their endowments. Very scary.
And I am not sure that colleges/universities are in the business of making people smarter. I think they are financial institutions whose goals are increasing their endowments. Very scary.
Paid millions to play a game they love. Risks are well-documented and unless I missed something, these guys aren't being forced to take the money and play. I daresay I assume as much or more in my 40+ mile (one-way) daily commute.
Anyway, give the No-Fun-League time, they're gradually turning football into an unwatchable mess that outlaws hitting - QB's should be wearing dresses at this point. The guys I grew up watching and cheering for couldn't play the game today, they'd be suspended out of it.
At it's best, it's a beautiful, violent sport. I played it, and encourage my kids to do so as well - at least until they turn high school football into a flag league.
Anyway, give the No-Fun-League time, they're gradually turning football into an unwatchable mess that outlaws hitting - QB's should be wearing dresses at this point. The guys I grew up watching and cheering for couldn't play the game today, they'd be suspended out of it.
At it's best, it's a beautiful, violent sport. I played it, and encourage my kids to do so as well - at least until they turn high school football into a flag league.
5
Yeah, by the time they're pros they can decide on the risks for themselves. But the little kids who idolize them and pursue the game from pee-wees to high school and the really good ones to college don't have that same capability to make adult decisions. The game need to die. I'm a lifelong fan/addict, and played in high school. I'm thankful I wasn't good enough to play beyond high school. I don't want to see another generation bash their brains in this insane "sport".
297
Parents are in charge. Right? If so, don't let your kid play football if you think the risk is too great.
6
American football is NOT something you can play throughout your life, like many other sports, both team and individual. Just NO future in it for 99% of players in terms of fitness or even access after high school or college. It's a media-fueled charade with dangerous consequences. Parents, do the math.
13
Fewer than one half of one percent of former NFL players have been found to have suffered CTE. And it was a self selected sample, with brains donated post-mortem by relatives who had suspicions based on behavior. What remains unknown is the prevalence of brain damage in football players. No one can say the likelihood. No one can intelligently discuss the true risk, because the risk isn't known. What we do know is, there are roughly 17,000 former NFL players who are living. Why hasn't someone surveyed this group to determine how many are exhibiting symptoms so that we can dispense with the hype and drama and start discussing actual risk?
Unless and until this happens, I submit that all this stuff about the deadly risk of football is as much hysteria as anything else. If less than one-half of one percent of players develop CTE, that's one thing, if it's 10 percent or 20 percent or 50 percent, it's quite another. And right now, no one can say.
Unless and until this happens, I submit that all this stuff about the deadly risk of football is as much hysteria as anything else. If less than one-half of one percent of players develop CTE, that's one thing, if it's 10 percent or 20 percent or 50 percent, it's quite another. And right now, no one can say.
21
Those stats are incorrect, according to this article:
https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2017/07/25/sports/football/nfl-cte.h...
https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2017/07/25/sports/football/nfl-cte.h...
2
"Fewer than one half of one percent of former NFL players have been found to have suffered CTE." That is simply not true.
A recent JAMA study found 110 out of 111 former NFL players (99%) suffered from CTE. And 48 out of 53 former college football players.
http://www.cnn.com/2017/07/25/health/cte-nfl-players-brains-study/index....
http://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/article-abstract/2645104
A recent JAMA study found 110 out of 111 former NFL players (99%) suffered from CTE. And 48 out of 53 former college football players.
http://www.cnn.com/2017/07/25/health/cte-nfl-players-brains-study/index....
http://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/article-abstract/2645104
2
August I believe your ".5% of formers players suffer from CTE" data is incorrect. The recent study by Ann McKee at Boston University found that 110 out of 111 brains studied showed signs of CTE- about 99%. I agree of course that this was a biased selection pool of players that showed signs of mental deterioration. This sample pool however consisted of about 10% of total NFL players who have died since the study began. If we assume then that EVERY other brain that was not studied was healthy, we would still have a lower bound of 9%.
That means that the true rate of affliction for NFL players of the disease is somewhere between 9% and 99%. Further sampling continues to push the percentage towards the higher bound.
The risk is much higher than you are purporting and way too prevalent for me personally to support the continuation of this sport.
Please see the article below for an opinion that downplays the media hype surrounding CTE and still uses the lower bound 9% number.
http://www.slate.com/articles/sports/sports_nut/2017/07/the_press_is_ove...
That means that the true rate of affliction for NFL players of the disease is somewhere between 9% and 99%. Further sampling continues to push the percentage towards the higher bound.
The risk is much higher than you are purporting and way too prevalent for me personally to support the continuation of this sport.
Please see the article below for an opinion that downplays the media hype surrounding CTE and still uses the lower bound 9% number.
http://www.slate.com/articles/sports/sports_nut/2017/07/the_press_is_ove...
2
Life is about choices, and risk-rewards. Football is not a risk free profession, but neither is serving in the military, driving trucks, or jay walking in New York City. But, the rewards can be quite significant for those who have exceptional talent, such as Brady. I think it is reasonable to believe that Brady is aware of the risks, and has made his decision. Those who find it objectionable have a choice of not going to games, or not watching games in television. The NFL is at its core a business, and a very successful one at that. That does not happen because people don't want to watch the games.
15
No, it's not just about him, it's about all the kids who start young, go through high school, college and then pro. This should apply to all contact sports.
The more neuropsych testing done all along from youth through adult will make the risks far more clear. People, including parents, can then make informed decision.
This is not just a medical issue, but a cultural issue, like smoking, which has taken years to break through cultural denial and acceptance to now where indoor bans on smoking are now almost universal. After all, I used to smoke in my hospital office in the 1970s, quit shortly after after three tries. Maybe people could cut down one game a year and wean yourselves off football too.
The more neuropsych testing done all along from youth through adult will make the risks far more clear. People, including parents, can then make informed decision.
This is not just a medical issue, but a cultural issue, like smoking, which has taken years to break through cultural denial and acceptance to now where indoor bans on smoking are now almost universal. After all, I used to smoke in my hospital office in the 1970s, quit shortly after after three tries. Maybe people could cut down one game a year and wean yourselves off football too.
1
Given the amount of ink dedicated to the subject, which increases significantly every year, it's clear that football's days are numbered as it's currently constituted. It won't happen this year, or next, but eventually the professional and college game will need to tolerate fundamental change that dramatically reduces the chances of brain injury ... or it will gradually cease to be played. If that happens, how long before we see badminton as the primary letter-sport in our high schools?
If Budweiser is going to survive as a serious marketing goliath, it's time to start thinking about virtual reality. Imagine Tom Brady and ten others in sensory suits, and the opposed team likewise fitted, with an additional 35 per side waiting to suit-up as specific skills are required. The suits project movement of 3-D holographic analogs on a virtual field and the game actually is played in a cyberverse. The unique skills of Brady still would distinguish themselves beyond what Joe Sixpack can accomplish in his den with a game boy, but Brady's brain would be safe from concussion. He also might still be competitive at 60.
What we sacrifice is the true gladiatorial reality that sees men of rare ability and training risking their lives in pigskin conflict; but if the alternative is to lose football, that might be acceptable.
We're almost there with the technology already. Just keep thinking badminton.
If Budweiser is going to survive as a serious marketing goliath, it's time to start thinking about virtual reality. Imagine Tom Brady and ten others in sensory suits, and the opposed team likewise fitted, with an additional 35 per side waiting to suit-up as specific skills are required. The suits project movement of 3-D holographic analogs on a virtual field and the game actually is played in a cyberverse. The unique skills of Brady still would distinguish themselves beyond what Joe Sixpack can accomplish in his den with a game boy, but Brady's brain would be safe from concussion. He also might still be competitive at 60.
What we sacrifice is the true gladiatorial reality that sees men of rare ability and training risking their lives in pigskin conflict; but if the alternative is to lose football, that might be acceptable.
We're almost there with the technology already. Just keep thinking badminton.
8
Methinks the death of football, predicted largely by people who don't watch the game, has been much exaggerated. More folks watch pre-season football games on TV than baseball playoff games, and attendance, viewership and receipts have grown steadily through the years. And so why, on earth, would anyone say it's going to go away?
Budweiser? Never heard of it.
There is some beverage out there called America it's jingoistic name turns me off.
There is some beverage out there called America it's jingoistic name turns me off.
So, what exactly is the point. Tom Brady plays in a very physically dangerous sport ? Is he supposed to be hiding it from his "fans" or from himself or both?
I think it's fair to assume that virtually everyone playing football at any competitive level knows and understands the physical risks involved and plays anyway for any number of reasons, especially monetary.
If Tom Brady's brain represents the symbolic or real threat that all other athletes in contact sports represents so be it.To the extent these men have freely chosen their path, they earn our respect for the violence they are willing to encounter to entertain the masses. It's too bad the game hasn't or can't be modified enough to provide more protection for them. But usually the almighty dollar pays more for more risk and thus more "excitement".
We've come a long way from the Roman coliseum and we still have a way to go.
I think it's fair to assume that virtually everyone playing football at any competitive level knows and understands the physical risks involved and plays anyway for any number of reasons, especially monetary.
If Tom Brady's brain represents the symbolic or real threat that all other athletes in contact sports represents so be it.To the extent these men have freely chosen their path, they earn our respect for the violence they are willing to encounter to entertain the masses. It's too bad the game hasn't or can't be modified enough to provide more protection for them. But usually the almighty dollar pays more for more risk and thus more "excitement".
We've come a long way from the Roman coliseum and we still have a way to go.
10
We haven't budged an inch from the Roman colliseums ... we've only added jumbotrons for the "fans" in the nose-bleed section who line the team owners' pockets when they could have stayed home on their couches for the same view and rush of seeing overgrown "athletes" collectively concussed for a few shekels so they can meet the attorneys' fees for spousal abuse ... and I think to myself; what a wonderful world.
Making good decisions when there are millions of dollars on the table, fans screaming adoration, and dating models at will, is hard to do.
1
We generally don't push for anyone to retire from football, especially the stars of the league. Fans love football, and as long as they love football, they are willing to sacrifice their favorite players. On the players side, especially the older players, they began playing before the concerns came about. They are not going to change their ways this far into their careers.
Frank, can we talk about why you start your column one way, and digress to soften your first points?
I found this piece disjointed. As a longtime football fan, I've read enough about the dangers of concussions, as well as the NFL's purported emphasis on improving game safety--which has been about as effective as Ivanka Trump in advising her dad.
But your abrupt switch from Tom Brady's brain to the beauty and intellectualism of football in general made my head spin. Are you advocating abolition of football or are you extoling its hold over America, the ideal blood sport to divert ourselves from today's dangerous world and fractious politics.
Because, you can't have it both ways: keep our most popular spectator sport the way it is while lamenting the futures football players face after a career of heavy hits.
I advocate stronger safety and equipment rules, even it means changing the game itself. I feel football would survive (maybe players would too) if the NFL did more to reduce damage from concussions --because of the very allure you describe so well,.
That the game isn't just a bunch of hulks killing one another on the field but a fascinating chess match where brains, split second decision making, and finesse triumph over brawn at the highest levels of the game.
I found this piece disjointed. As a longtime football fan, I've read enough about the dangers of concussions, as well as the NFL's purported emphasis on improving game safety--which has been about as effective as Ivanka Trump in advising her dad.
But your abrupt switch from Tom Brady's brain to the beauty and intellectualism of football in general made my head spin. Are you advocating abolition of football or are you extoling its hold over America, the ideal blood sport to divert ourselves from today's dangerous world and fractious politics.
Because, you can't have it both ways: keep our most popular spectator sport the way it is while lamenting the futures football players face after a career of heavy hits.
I advocate stronger safety and equipment rules, even it means changing the game itself. I feel football would survive (maybe players would too) if the NFL did more to reduce damage from concussions --because of the very allure you describe so well,.
That the game isn't just a bunch of hulks killing one another on the field but a fascinating chess match where brains, split second decision making, and finesse triumph over brawn at the highest levels of the game.
57
The connection between brain damage and brain function is obvious, at least to me.
9
I believe the final point was intended to be subtle irony. Brady's physical expertise requires his intellectual capacity to be fully manifest to produce his success yet his concussions may in time produce a significant debilitation of his brain, which is of course the basis of that intellectual capacity.
1
It's pretty obvious the article was showing how Brady's best feature as a QB is his intellectual capability; a capability that could but him in grave risk if he continues to play.
1
One thing I learned as I grew older is that quality of life is much more important than quantity. No one can deny that Brady has had a great life and still does. Should he have traded that for a life that was dull and meaningless for the sake of security? I cannot get many of my friends to travel with me or do anything else that carries any element of risk because of their fear. So should one settle for a long life of mediocrity or should one really live and take their chances?
131
Carrollton getting too exciting? There's always Kampsville.
3
@Don; Actually I prefer Pearl
so the alternative to being a head-battered football star is a dull and meaningless life??!! you should maybe think about that.
3
I have to admit that this year, really for the first time, I'm finding it difficult to turn to a football game. I haven't seen a play yet. I've seen commercials for football and I'm still thrilled by the catches, but now I wince at the hits, which are promoted equally. I liked watching football. But I don't think those men should risk their future health and happiness for me, even if they do it willingly or only for themselves. I just don't feel comfortable participating.
177
Yea, I had to stop watching it a few years ago. And that is something I hate to share with friends and co-workers because it brings up an inevitable conversation (or more likely an argument). I don't want to lecture and genuinely don't know if it is "right" or "wrong" for someone to decide to play football. But I can't watch it. One good book to look at is, "Against Football: One Fan's Reluctant Manifesto" by Steve Almond. It is smart and not preachy. Worth a look.
2
Just remember the fans get to see all the great plays and reminisce about all the glory days. But no one will be watching when he can't remember his loved ones' names, strikes out against them, or needs to be fed or cleaned up. By then some other athlete will have taken his place in the hearts of football fans. Brady certainly is a very intelligent quarterback, analyzing defenses and executing his offense to perfection. But what he really needs is to develop a good strategy for executing his own life's game plan. Sounds like he's leaving that to his wife.
179
I don't disagree with you, but as a grown man isn't Brady entitled to make his own decision about his life? People choose to sky dive, mountain climb, ride motorcycles all which are potentially very dangerous and don't pay them millions of dollars a year. Do we forbid this as well?
If we're going to start policing people's behavior, let's start with outlawing smoking. Kills hundreds of thousands a year.
If we're going to start policing people's behavior, let's start with outlawing smoking. Kills hundreds of thousands a year.
2
Players today are faster and stronger than ever before. So what does that portend for their safety? Frightening. And I'm as big a fan as anyone.
The NFL is, at best, recalcitrant in their anemic efforts to address this critical issue. The $40 million dollar a year commissioner needs to devote much greater energy to concussions than what he spent on purported deflated footballs.
The NFL is, at best, recalcitrant in their anemic efforts to address this critical issue. The $40 million dollar a year commissioner needs to devote much greater energy to concussions than what he spent on purported deflated footballs.
51
Unlikely with so much money on the line fore everyone. Too bad.
1
When Tom Brady plays he appears to me to be using his smarts to avoid the kind of actions that lead to brain injury. All the quarterbacks do. They have the luxury of being in a position to protect themselves in a way that other players cannot.
8
If he is getting concussions every year, he is not avoiding brain injury.
2
I hope it never happens, but were the world to see the mental deterioration of Tom Brady, it could significantly change the discussion about CTE. BTW, I suspect this is his last year. Giselle has no doubt read him the riot act, and he wants to go out on top. This year is Super Bowl or bust.
20
And what happens if there is no mental deterioration? After all, Troy Aikman, who was infamous for getting pounded on the field, has had himself tested just to be on the safe side, and doctors have found no hint of brain damage.
The inconvenient truth for folks who blather about football being a gladiator sport and unsafe and a sure ticket to dementia is, the vast majority of former players don't have brain damage. And so the odds are in Brady's favor. In all likelihood, more folks will want emulate Brady than see him as a cautionary tale.
The inconvenient truth for folks who blather about football being a gladiator sport and unsafe and a sure ticket to dementia is, the vast majority of former players don't have brain damage. And so the odds are in Brady's favor. In all likelihood, more folks will want emulate Brady than see him as a cautionary tale.
28
so what percentage of players have to have brain damage for it to make a difference to you? i believe there was a recent study that showed als in the brains of the vast majority of deceased football players, wasn't there?
sorry to have to repeat it, but: denial is not a river in egypt.
sorry to have to repeat it, but: denial is not a river in egypt.
2
sorry meant cte, though als is part of the picture as well.
1
Part of what football players are paid for is to take the risk of winding up drooling idiots or suicides. Of course, players in baseball, basketball, or even hockey are also paid very well and do not run such risks to the same extent. But football still has lots of fans whose enjoyment of the game is not yet reduced by an awareness of what happens to the players. When the awareness is no longer classified as fake news and it starts to eat away at their enjoyment (which are two separate things), football will change -- or wither and die.
People who know what football does to players can still enjoy the game by remembering that the players are paid well and that no one forces them to play. People who accept unregulated free enterprise, with its winners and losers, will have little trouble still enjoying football.
People who know what football does to players can still enjoy the game by remembering that the players are paid well and that no one forces them to play. People who accept unregulated free enterprise, with its winners and losers, will have little trouble still enjoying football.
9
People who participate in unregulated free enterprise are free to walk away when they want, and more pro football players should save their money and walk away sooner. But passionate athletes become what they do perhaps more than any other professional, because of the complete physical commitment. Most people don't even know what the life of the body is anymore. Football (or climbing, skiing) becomes your identity, and it becomes almost impossible to objectively judge when it's time to call it good before you get badly hurt or worse. Public pressure, even adulation, nails the lid shut. I don't think it matters what "people who enjoy" these sports and adventures think one little bit.
"The secret to a long life's knowing when it's time to go"... (Michelle Shocked)
"The secret to a long life's knowing when it's time to go"... (Michelle Shocked)
There was a time when the public enjoyed seeing gladiators fight to the death, but we no longer allow such a sport. It's lazy and cowardly to say that society can't change to ensure the well-being of its sports heroes.
I suspect that hockey players are taking risks comparable to those taken by football players.
Tom Brady was drafted to the NFL in 2000. The doctor who first diagnosed CTE didn't do so until 2002 and the NFL refused to acknowledge it until 2009. Those who choose to play football know that there will be risks because of injury but they choose to play anyway. But only recently have we discovered how serious those risks are and it's too late for players like Tom Brady who have been playing for most of their lives.
Football is a religion in many parts of this country. This is a truly American game. Getting people to acknowledge the risk when there's so much money to be made isn't going to be easy. All we can do is force the NFL to take care of their players after their careers are done and the disease takes effect.
Football is a religion in many parts of this country. This is a truly American game. Getting people to acknowledge the risk when there's so much money to be made isn't going to be easy. All we can do is force the NFL to take care of their players after their careers are done and the disease takes effect.
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We can also adopt safer playing methods with youth, rules to protect all who play and better helmets for all. Ed Cunningham had several suggestions that would be easy to adopt in his article relating why he could no longer promote football. The football leagues should be pressured to adopt these non-onerous safety precautions STAT.
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I disagree. We as a society can do much more than that.
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All we can do is force the NFL to take care of their players after their careers are done and the disease takes effect.
NO, that is not all we can do. We must do more. People can stop worshipping at the altar of this cult.
NO, that is not all we can do. We must do more. People can stop worshipping at the altar of this cult.
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My kids were young in the early 90's before the current awareness of football head injury related risks. I established 3 rules for them.... No motorcycles, no football and no tattoos. The first two rules were honored... I'm happy with 67% success.
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My rules for my kids were no smoking, no tattoos. Your use of the family car depends on this. The local H.S. didn't have football, which is a tremendous drain on a budget.
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To say that Brady should retire is to say all of them should retire or not play the game, because all of them are susceptible to the same injury.
To say that football players should not play the game is to say the same about all athletes in contact sports. Again, they are all susceptible to a multitude of injuries, notwithstanding to only the head\brain.
They know the risks ( or should with all possible information ) and they take them. We know they are taking the risks, and we continue to pay to see them.
I think what is a sadder state of affairs in regards to being disposable is how quickly we forget ( on purpose ) those that have been diagnosed with CTE and other things. We seem to want to remember the way they were in their ''glory'' years as opposed to the husks they have become.
That says more about us than it ever did them.
To say that football players should not play the game is to say the same about all athletes in contact sports. Again, they are all susceptible to a multitude of injuries, notwithstanding to only the head\brain.
They know the risks ( or should with all possible information ) and they take them. We know they are taking the risks, and we continue to pay to see them.
I think what is a sadder state of affairs in regards to being disposable is how quickly we forget ( on purpose ) those that have been diagnosed with CTE and other things. We seem to want to remember the way they were in their ''glory'' years as opposed to the husks they have become.
That says more about us than it ever did them.
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"That says more about us than it ever did them". Avid fans cheer wildly at the excitement that comes with the cult of the sport, They turn the other way at the devastating consequences awaiting the players already in midlife. It is tragically ironic that so many football players lose the very intelligence that helped them excel in their sport.
I know so many people who advocate for individual rights and protections in other social sectors, but when it comes to football they cast a blind eye to the atavistic mania that propels spectators of the sport. Fans must do their part to acknowledge and support the need for protections that will inevitably change football as we know it. Tennis anyone??
I know so many people who advocate for individual rights and protections in other social sectors, but when it comes to football they cast a blind eye to the atavistic mania that propels spectators of the sport. Fans must do their part to acknowledge and support the need for protections that will inevitably change football as we know it. Tennis anyone??
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@Cath
Its a dichotomy to be sure ( to enjoy a sport that might have brutal contact and to feel guilty for the health of the participants at the same time )
Interesting that you mention tennis. I was watching the Venus Williams match and pulling immensely for her. ( she approaches middle age )
There was nary a bone crunching hit to be had, but I was still riveted in watching the match. I will be watching more.
Its a dichotomy to be sure ( to enjoy a sport that might have brutal contact and to feel guilty for the health of the participants at the same time )
Interesting that you mention tennis. I was watching the Venus Williams match and pulling immensely for her. ( she approaches middle age )
There was nary a bone crunching hit to be had, but I was still riveted in watching the match. I will be watching more.
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Anyone who says that we can change football and make it safer doesn't know much about football. It is an inherently violent game. There are risks. And from what we know at this point, only a very tiny percentage of players will develop brain damage. All of these are facts. Deal with them.
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