The Risks
About how many high school football players get brain injuries each year?
About 264,000.
What part of students’ lives can be harmed by repeated hits to the head?
It can damage their ability to think and learn.
Who is one researcher mentioned who studies football-related brain danger?
Thomas Talavage.
True or False: Football teaches character better than other activities.
False — there is no evidence it does.
What is the main argument of the article?
High school football is too dangerous.
What percentage of players does that represent?
About 25% (1 out of 4).
According to research, what happens to simple tasks during football season?
They become harder for players.
What do some schools do because of the dangers?
End their football programs.
Name one activity the article says builds character safely.
Music, acting, community service (anyone).
Who is responsible for protecting students’ safety?
Schools and coaches.
What is one major type of brain injury football players suffer?
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI).
What are two symptoms of concussions mentioned in the article?
Headaches, memory problems, sleep issues, mood problems (any two).
What percent of high school football players become professional athletes?
About 0.02% (basically none).
True or False: Safety equipment makes football fully safe.
False.
Why does repeated brain impact matter even without a concussion?
It still harms the brain over time.
What part of the body do helmets protect, according to the article?
The skull—not the brain.
Why are younger players at even higher risk?
Their brains are still developing.
How much higher is the chance of brain injury than going pro?
About 1,000 times higher.
Why might parents not know how risky football is?
They may not understand the brain damage risks.
What makes football different from other school activities?
It causes long-term physical harm to the brain.
Why can helmets not prevent concussions?
The brain still hits the inside of the skull during a hard impact.
What long-term danger is suggested for repeated brain injuries?
Lifelong brain problems / cognitive impairment.
What do the authors argue schools should do?
Shut down football entirely.
Why might teens not understand the long-term risks?
Their brains are still developing; they cannot fully judge the consequences.
What do the authors say schools should do moving forward?
Replace football with safer activities.