LOL--The reason your doc was OK with football is prolly because his brother-in-law is an orthopedist.
Anyway, on a more serious note, I said no to football. (My brother wrecked his knees playing.) Both sons played ice hockey instead. Grade school thru their senior year in HS. Fortunately, no injuries/ no trips to the ER or even the doc.
Believe me, we didn’t jump for joy or say yes immediately. However, he loves it. It has grounded him in a way. He is part of a team, he’s very good on the line, and the equipment/coaches are fantastic. That being said, during this off-season... he is seeing a trainer twice a week (and working out at the gym with specific goals set by the trainer). It is all to make him stronger, faster, and hopefully prevent any sort of injuries. That being said, I do close my eyes when he is on the field.