I grew up in Oklahoma. I loved going to football games in high school! Cool, crisp night and everyone was there. Boys, girls… lots of romance in the air. Seriously, how could a person not love that!
My first date with my husband, Steve, was at the 2nd OU game of our sophomore years. I don’t remember who OU played, but I’m sure we won. That was a championship year! Steve and I went to every home game as undergrads and many when he worked on his Masters degree.
I’ve watched and enjoyed NFL games for nearly 30 years. I have been Cowboys fan and that has not been easy for the last 17 years.
But now I’m done. I can’t watch football any more. It’s not actually because of the domestic abuse cases that have been in the news. Bad as that is, be honest, there is a lot of domestic abuse out there and it’s not all football-related.
No, I can’t watch football anymore because of the recently released data that shows that 1/3 of all of the players are going to suffer brain damage. And worse, there are more and more kids dying from hits taken on the field… 3 more last week. Honestly, how could I have been surprised. The physical abuse suffered by players has been right there in front of me for years… but now there is hard data to back up what we all should have known.
I am reminded of Rome, back in the day. With gladiators fighting and dying to provide a show. It was a spectacle, and you know that the watchers enjoyed it. Football feels like that to me now.
There’s more that’s wrong with football, lots more, but this is what has tipped the scales for me, and for Steve. By watching the game, and enjoying it, we have both begun to feel like we are condoning the injuries to the players. Neither of us can do it any more.
Until the game changes, until players at all ages are more protected, we are waving goodbye to football.
Piece O Cake Blog 
Well said, Becky!
LikeLike
It’s good to stand up for your convictions. I applaud you. I’ve never been a fan of football.
LikeLike
You are so right in my opinion. There is so much violence in our world. I’d rather watch that take skill without violence…track, swimming, golf, baseball, etc.
LikeLike
Love the ‘wave’ lady…..didn’t realize she moved until I went into the comments section and clicked on her!! Very cool!
LikeLike
You, too, could have one. Google ‘solar waving queen’. I may need the one wearing the hat… she’s new!
LikeLike
The modern day players have become like gladiators – over weight & over tattooed. I no longer think of a star player as a good role model.
LikeLike
Thank you for this. Your words are so true and your conclusion so apt.
LikeLike
I was having this conversation with friends after lunch today. 1/2 of us felt as you do, the violence & injuries that are inflicted by & upon the players should not be condoned. I have hope now that others will also begin to see it this way!
LikeLike
Well said.
LikeLike
I’ve never been a fan of football. Probably because I grew up in an all girl family – and we could NEVER do anything on Sunday afternoon if football was on TV. Dad couldn’t miss a game. Didn’t matter who played. I don’t think it’s sport when you know those chances of permanent injuries. And I don’t think wrestling and boxing are sport either. It’s time to end violence of all types. Now I’ll leave my soapbox!
LikeLike
Totally agree about boxing. Football too. While I don’t like wrestling, I’m on the fence on that.
LikeLike
I could not agree more. Thank you for standing up and stating your views on this out of control violent brutal game.
LikeLike
Good for you for standing up for what you believe. (I happen to agree).
LikeLike
I’m with you on this, all the way.
LikeLike
Hi Becky,
I have NEVER been a football fan. As a matter of fact, I call football the “head-banging” sport. Do you think football will cease to exist? In reality it should because of the brain injury risk to players. I am very thankful my two sons were never interested. Soccer players are at risk too because they hit the ball with their heads. It’s the repeated blows that cause long-term damage. Have you heard of Dr. Daniel Amen? He is a brain specialist who heads up the Brain Amen Clinics. He is SO against football. His newsletters are so informative in educating the public on this topic. Please check out his website.
LikeLike
I can’t agree with you more! I also don’t watch any NFL games or support any teams because of the handling of the Michael Vick dog fighting?abuse case.
LikeLike
Pingback: Be careful with your brain… | Piece O Cake Blog