Let me start off by saying my family is a huge football family. It is more than a sport for us. It’s family time, memories, dreams, and inspiration for these guys that put their bodies and essentially their lives on the line for our pure entertainment. Our son Jayden has been playing football since he was old enough to know what it was. So, Monday was an emotional night for us because we saw right there, again how scary this sport can actually be.

On Monday night, Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin collapsed during a game against the Bengals. He made a tackle and then fell backwards. Doctors and medics ran onto the field where they administered CPR for about 10 minutes. Hamlin went into cardiac arrest on the field. He is only 24 years old. After being taken from the stadium in an ambulance, Hamlin was intubated at the hospital. Where he remains at the time of this post. (reports of doctors seeing positive signs this morning 1/4/22) This incident has left many parents rethinking their decision to allow their children to play football. Also, many parents are being judged because they are still allowing their children to play football at any level.

Football is undoubtedly one of America’s favorite sports, but it can also be a dangerous one if safety precautions aren’t taken seriously. The risk of concussion and other head injuries is well-known—but now we must consider the possibility of cardiac arrest now too.

Like any other sport, football carries some inherent risk.

I may be chastised by some when I say our 14-year-old will play football for as long as he wants to and is able to compete at his level. It doesn’t surprise me because there have been parents for the past 10 years that have questioned our decision to allow our kids to play football.

To us, and to many, football teaches important life lessons like discipline, teamwork, responsibility, and resilience that help children succeed no matter what path they choose in life. Playing football also helps keep your child physically active which is all you can ask in a life of video games and cell phones.

Whichever decision you make as a parent for your children is your choice and just make it an informed decision.

When deciding whether or not to allow your child to participate in football it is important to take all factors into consideration – including potential risks such as cardiac arrest or concussions – while still recognizing the benefits that playing this sport provides them with long-term success both on and off the field. Do research on local teams & leagues in order to determine if they have appropriate safety measures in place like concussion protocol and regular physical exams for all players. If you’re still unsure after assessing all pros & cons then you may want to consider alternative sports options.

Damar Hamlin’s collapse on Monday night serves as a reminder that participating in any sport carries some inherent risks – particularly contact sports like football – but this doesn’t mean we should avoid them altogether! Parents should carefully weigh all pros and cons before allowing their children to participate in any activity, not just football. Just remember you’re decision may not be the same as the next and that’s ok.

Praying for a full recovery for Damar Hamlin. Let’s remember they are out there for our entertainment but they are humans and they are vulnerable.

Listen to Aimee+Shawn weekday mornings from 6-10 on 102.7 VGS

Follow the station on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and TikTok!

Follow Aimee+Shawn on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and TikTok!