The benefits of football exceed the risk of it

I have followed Mark Rypien’s denunciation of the NFL, and football in general, as the cause of his mental illness. I have no doubt that his condition is genuine, and there may be some merit to his claims; the courts think so anyway. His lawsuit against the NFL resulted in a $765 million dollar judgment and initiated a strict concussion protocol. His cause is supported by Dr. Bennet Omalu, author of the book “Concussion.”

Omalu warns parents against allowing children to play any contact sport. He would have us believe that most football players suffer lasting effects of head trauma. That is simply not true. Mark Rypien is one of a small minority. Most retired NFL players go on to other careers.

Don Meredith became a successful broadcaster. Jack Kemp spent 18 years in the U.S. Congress. Bart Star became an outstanding college coach. Drew Bledsoe and Roger Staubach both own and operate successful businesses. These are just a few examples who played the same position as Mark Rypien.

All have maintained contact with the game and credit football as a big part of their success. The controversy, however, has generated negative publicity which overshadows the fact that football does good things for lots of kids.

I played football for 12 years and coached for almost that many more. I know of none of my college teammates who have football associated brain damage. I can list several, however, who have been successful in business, in the military and in government. Most of them will tell you that football helped shape who they are today.

Lasting bonds are forged from being a member of a competitive team. Members of my high school team still meet for lunch every month. And, it is not only the star players who have positive memories. The majority who play benefit from the experience.

I have a high school teammate who never made the starting line up but went on to be extraordinarily successful in business. I spent a couple days with him a few years ago en route to see my family in the Midwest. We reminisced about our school days, and he disappeared into the back of the house to return with his Pee Wee football uniform. He considered his time as a player important enough to treasure his first uniform. Football helped him become who he is today.

Omalu would have us protect our children from all risk. Shielding our children from sports more dangerous than marbles may not be in their best interest. Life is a dangerous activity, and football is a microcosm of life.

I still recall the mantras of my earliest coach: “Mistakes are a byproduct of effort. Learn from them.” “Friday night games are won and lost in practice Monday through Thursday.” And my favorite: “Focus downfield, no meaningful action ever takes place behind the ball.”

The most dangerous activity I have experienced was flying in combat. Football helped prepare for that. Both activities included the distinct probability of bodily injury. I knew that negative consequences would follow should I fail to carry out my assignment.

To be successful, I had to follow the rules and be a team player. If we never allow our children to experience danger, they will not be prepared when they are threatened by life. I am glad I learned those lessons on a football field.

I hope our grandchildren never have to go to war, but they will have to face the challenges of life. Life is a risky activity. I can testify that football, hockey, soccer and basketball are not risk free.

I walk with a limp today because I hurt a knee playing college football. But knowing the danger, I would do it all again. The benefit far exceeds the risk. Football helped shape who I am today.

Frank Watson is retired Air Force Colonel and long-time resident of Eastern Washington. He has been a free-lance columnist for over 19 years.