We’ve always been a sports family, but this year we officially became a football family. I consider attendance at two middle school games, a college game, and an NFL game all in one week enough to qualify.
Our 13- year-old, 5’7, 110 lb. son decided he was going out for his 8th grade team. Considering the only football he ever played before this year was Madden on his Xbox, we had concerns. Not to mention, he is a young 8th grader with a summer birthday, so many of the boys are a full year older than him.
Have you seen the size of some 14-year-olds these days? I’m not sure if it’s the hormones in the milk, genetically modified foods we’re consuming, or the rage over protein and muscle milk, but I’m certain 8th graders did not look like this when I was 14. Put them in pads and helmets, and they’re downright intimidating.
Friends told us 8th grade football was their favorite sport. It was about the camaraderie, teamwork, and mental toughness it fosters. The sport doesn’t get physical until high school. We were still hesitant, but we decided to support his decision.
The season started, and we soon found ourselves just as comfortable at the middle school games as we are rooting for our college and NFL teams. We loved watching him develop confidence and resilience. Our mild tempered, rule-following kid had two interceptions and a pick six in one game. We were having a blast.
Then came their bye week. They watched videos, played powder puff against the volleyball team, and took team pictures, until the last practice. That’s when he fractured his ulnar styloid, a small bone in the wrist above the growth plate. We were all disappointed, but relieved it was nothing as serious as other teammates’ injuries. Just this season the 8th grade team experienced a broken arm, torn ACL, broken tibia, and concussion protocol for more than one player.
As of this week, there are 277 NFL players on the injured reserve list, and two on my fantasy football teams. I’m sure all Chiefs’ fans felt a momentary heart stop when Patrick Mahomes appeared to be injured in the 4th quarter of last night’s Chiefs – Buccaneers game.
It seems every time we’re watching NFL or NCAA games, more players than ever are being taken to the locker room and not returning to the game. As fans, we worry that the injury is season-ending, or even worse, career-ending, but as a mom, I worry about the healing and long-term effects. It’s clear I’ll continue to love the excitement and joy the boys of Fall bring our family, and our community, but I can’t ignore the seriousness of its risks.
Bold Moves Are the Best Moves 
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