The Dangers that come with Football
For 150 years, Football has been played in schools around America, becoming a key-part of school spirit. The sport serves as not only entertainment, but also a gateway for aspiring athletes to achieve their dreams. However, discussions have resurfaced recently regarding the danger of Football and the cost that comes with the glory of the gridiron.
In the month of August alone, 7 middle and high schoolers have died while practicing or performing on the football field. One of these tragic events took place at Madison Middle school in Madison, West Virginia where 13-year-old Cohen Craddock’s life was lost after receiving a life-threatening blow to the head from another player during practice. According to the coach, Cohen was wearing a helmet at the time of the incident. Cohen was just a young boy who was happy to be on the football team, when the sport he loved had taken away his life, and importantly, taken away his parents’ child.
Cohen’s father, Ryan Craddock has expressed how devastated he feels to the press. The loss of a child is a pain no father should go through, and such a tragic turn of events could’ve never been expected. Ryan is one of many parents who have experienced the unexpected when sending their kids to practice, and he as well as many others advocate for more protection, and safer procedures for youth football athletes. One of these parents is Regena Adams of Coffee County Alabama, whose son Semaj Wilkins was another victim of the dangers that come with football.
Semaj Wilkins was only 14 years old when he suffered a medical emergency on August 13th. Semaj passed out on the field after a long day of practice, on which day it had been 90 degrees outside. New Brockton High School students pay their respects to their fallen teammate and more importantly, their fallen friend.
These incidents not only occur from player-to-player physical contact, but also from exhaustion and overwork. It has been stated that 4 out of these 7 deaths have been due to non-physical problems, usually being the result of a medical emergency. The majority of these deaths often occur at the start of the season due to harder practices and hotter temperatures in the months of August and September.
The loss of a child is a nightmare for any parent, and these tragic events could’ve possibly been prevented. Coaches should be trained to detect signs of exhaustion or heatstroke, and many parents including Ryan Craddock have advocated for the mandatory use of a Guardian Cap.
Other students who have lost their lives to the sport of football are 16-year-old Caden Tellier of Alabama, 16-year-old Leslie Noble of Maryland, 15-year-old Jayvion Taylor of Virginia, and 15-year-old Ovet Gomez-Regalado of Kansas.
These students should all be remembered fondly and forever remain with a place in their school’s hearts. Their deaths should be seen as a sign that we need to keep our kids safe, and that the sport of football, as well as many other sports, always come with a significant risk. We can only pray for the families of those who went through the unimaginable. Rest in Peace to every one of the now-deceased young athletes who gave their lives doing what they loved.