Mike Ditka says if he had a young son now he wouldn't let him play football

[elzenmahn]

16. There's a loooong list of great players who suffered permanent physical damage...

...when their playing days ended.

Johnny Unitas, alongside other health issues, developed hand issues so severe he had trouble writing. Charlie Krueger and Jim Otto had trouble walking because of the knee injuries. Remember Daryl Stingley? He wound up in a wheelchair for life after a Jim Tatum hit. And, of course, the concussions: Jim McMahon, Chris Miller, Steve Young, possibly John Mackey and Junior Seau, and a host of others.

If I had a son, I would advise him that:
1. The typical professional football career (I'm including the NFL, CFL, and Arena Leagues) lasts four years, at best;
2. Many, if not the majority, of these players sustain lasting damage to the bodies which they spent decades developing and perfecting for their chosen sport;
3. This damage isn't just over their pro careers - it's cumulative over their time in Pop Warner, High School, and College ranks, as well;
4. He may very well be shortening his life span as a result of participating in this sport.

The message: know exactly what it is you're getting in to. Unless you're supremely gifted at the sport or various aspects of the sport (and can you be completely and brutally honest with yourself as to whether or not you do - and can you listen to people looking out for your best interest - like myself and any potential coach worth their salt), I would advise against it, especially in the early years like Pop Warner and even High School.