My sons play football ( ages 7, 12, and 13)They love it. I played high school and college football. Yes, I had lots of injuries, but wouldn’t change a thing. I also played rugby for 20 years and wrestled for 7. Some people just want to smash into other people. Hard to explain, but violent contact sports serve a purpose. These sports also toughened me up and helped me immensely during my 24 year military career.
I played football (defensive back, punt returns) in college and high school (where I was also a running back and receiver). I had a pretty severe concussion in high school and then some minor ones in the rest of my playing days. Didn’t push my boys to play and they focused on b-ball. Mixed emotions on this... Now my grandkids are playing lacrosse which I also played in college... it may be the best alternative.
Rugby is a great game. If more kids played rugby, the world would be a better place. Of course they wouldn’t be able to drink after the games.
Good for your boys. My oldest played hockey and my next was in an Olympic sport for 10 years. I swear they learned more and developed into better people from their athletics. My third has special needs so organized sports is out. But my little one WILL BE AN ATHLETE in her teens or bust. She is already very talented at a few things. She need to pick her fave.
Dealing daily with Alzheimer’s, I really do want to make the contact sports safer for the brain, without hindering the players or game rules. One day we will find a way. I’m not talking injuries. All sports have risks. I’m just talking about cumulative brain concussions that may be preventable, we just haven’t invented how yet.