It’s no secret that the NFL is incredibly dangerous. From high impacts on the field to head injuries that can cause long-term complications, it’s enough to make you sigh. But how dangerous is it really? Let me tell you, the dangers of the game extend so much further than you can imagine.
First off, a lot of people don’t understand the sheer physicality of the sport. Sure, if you watch any football broadcast, the commentators never let you forget that they’re playing a game of “collision league.” But that’s really just the surface – the hits and tackles are far harder and faster than they make it out to be. A few years back, I saw a sack on a quarterback that sent him to the hospital right away. He was out cold before he hit the ground, and it left us all shaken.
But it’s not just on-field trauma that can cause serious injuries. The constant preparation and training for the game can easily wear down an athlete’s body from anything from shoulder and knee injuries to general muscular exhaustion. And when players are so used to pushing themselves to their limits, serious and sometimes life-altering injuries are a reality.
The long-term effects of NFL trauma can be even worse. We’re all familiar with the concussions crisis at this point, but the reality is even more disturbing than we thought. From CTE to nerve damage, the effects of head injuries can stay with you for life. No one wants to think about it, but stories of retired athletes with debilitating symptoms are all too common.
Of course, there’s one thing that’s often forgotten with the dangers of playing in the NFL – it’s the effect it can have on your mental health. Between the pressure to perform at a top level, the expectations of the fans, the media attention and the disappointment in the aftermath of a season that doesn’t go your way, the emotional toll can be just as perilous as the physical.
At the end of the day, I’m not here to argue that playing in the NFL is safe or even a good idea. The dangers of this sport are far more real than we like to admit, and it deeply saddens me when I hear of players getting hurt. But the truth is that, as long as proper precautions are taken, the NFL can still be enjoyed and played safely. If you’re considering it, do your research and consult with professionals – but, most importantly, keep yourself as safe as possible.