How fast will college football die?

[aghcsm]

Haven’t read most of this thread, but as long as there is a business that is willing to pay millions of dollars/year to its employees to play a game, that game (and it’s affiliate leagues) will exist.

That assumes fans will provide those millions of dollars. I think there will be a big drop-off if it’s determined/ understood we are watching people damage their brains. At least it will affect me (already is to some extent).

 

[MtnBuff]

We may eventually see the shell helmet, gives close to the same protection and cannot be used as a weapon.

Also likely to see the game move much more in the direction that Pete Carroll has started the Seahawks with rugby style tackling instead of going for the big hit. The rules are changing and will change more to reduce the big head jarring hits.

It will be a long time before there is any concern for the ongoing game of football. CTE is an issue but it is an issue in all sports that involve hitting and contact. Soccer, basketball, etc. have significant amounts of CTE as well. Much of it is because of players falling and hitting their heads on the ground or from incidental banging of heads.

 

[CarolinaBuff]

This Q-Collar could be one thing that might be able to prevent CTE. It restricts the flow of blood out of the brain causing the brain to have a tighter fit in the skull, thereby reducing the brain from sloshing around in the skull, which is the cause of concussions. Luke Kuechly is wearing one this season.

https://www.forbes.com/sites/robert...in-function-in-football-players/#23bd23be148b

https://www.sporttechie.com/q-collar-bauer-neuroshield-concussion-prevention-canada-brad-keselowski/

https://www.si.com/edge/2016/06/15/...hnology-qcollar-neck-wearable-football-hockey

 

[Buffnik]

That assumes fans will provide those millions of dollars. I think there will be a big drop-off if it’s determined/ understood we are watching people damage their brains. At least it will affect me (already is to some extent).

I definitely react differently when I see a helmet-to-helmet kill shot delivered or someone get up wobbly. It used to fire me up. Now it makes me afraid for the players.

 

[BuffLuke80]

Does the shell or collar help for concussions that happen when your dome hits the ground? I'm asking because I have no idea.

 

[ahoelsken]

The NFL will die off before College Football does

 

[lvbuff]

change the rules. One hour before game time, announce the game ball. It can be drawn from an approved list by the referee. It could be a golf ball, a wiffle ball, a medicine ball, maybe even a badminton birdie. The books would go crazy. Imagine kicking a field goal with a 20 LB medicine ball. Or playing option with a golf ball.
I would bet some people could toss a badminton birdie a long way.

object is to develop new skill sets that don't involve head to head contact.

 

[CULifer]

change the rules. One hour before game time, announce the game ball. It can be drawn from an approved list by the referee. It could be a golf ball, a wiffle ball, a medicine ball, maybe even a badminton birdie. The books would go crazy. Imagine kicking a field goal with a 20 LB medicine ball. Or playing option with a golf ball.
I would bet some people could toss a badminton birdie a long way.

object is to develop new skill sets that don't involve head to head contact.

This idea, although creative, is complete donkey **** dude.

 

[lvbuff]

you missed the point

 

[Buffnik]

This idea, although creative, is complete donkey **** dude.

The obvious absurdity was to stress that at a certain point the game stops being football.

 

[Alfred91]

When my oldest was born, I was pretty stoked to have a boy who would play all the sports I did.

Once he got old enough to play football though, he had no interest. It didn't bug me in the slightest. He ended playing HS soccer and that's it. I can honestly say that I didn't miss him playing football at all.

My youngest will not play football. I can almost guarantee it. My wife has basically already decreed it, but I have no issues with it.

 

[Buffnik]

When my oldest was born, I was pretty stoked to have a boy who would play all the sports I did.

Once he got old enough to play football though, he had no interest. It didn't bug me in the slightest. He ended playing HS soccer and that's it. I can honestly say that I didn't miss him playing football at all.

My youngest will not play football. I can almost guarantee it. My wife has basically already decreed it, but I have no issues with it.

There are things I learned from football that I don't know I could have gotten from any other sport. There's a lot of value there. I'm not willing to risk brain damage to kids now that we know what we do, so I'm hoping that we can find a way to maintain what's uniquely great about football while getting the risks down to where they are with other sports and physical activities.

 

[BehindEnemyLines]

Wasn’t Hernandez displaying anti social behavior in college? If so, did he have severe CTE even then? Isn’t the problem with CTE research that, for the most part, they are only studying the brains of former NFL players who displayed behavior associated with the desensitized? Hopefully we can develop ways to study CTE on living patients.

Hernandez wasn't an angel in college and before he got to UF he was either in or around gangs (I don't recall which). I'm not saying the CTE had no part in the violent crime he committed but it seems that his behavior would certainly be influenced by his shady past.

Perhaps an MRI should be done for every incoming freshman collegiate player so there would be a point of reference later. This past MRI could be compared to current ones so the doctors and players could make an informed decision.

 

[BuffsRising]

My bet is they go to no helmets, no leading with the head, no contact to the head, but desperately try to maintain as much of the game as exists today.

Not sure if it works or not, but that is what I expect within the next 5 years.

I refuse to use the phrase “maintain integrity of the game” because they lost that privilege when they tried to bury this **** for years.

This sport is called “rugby.” I would not be surprised at all if we are watching rugby in Folsom in 20 years. Concussions are much rarer in rugby.

The tipping point wont be what happens to nfl players’ brains. The tipping point is when high schools can't afford the liability insurance. When high schools stop feeding the ncaa, football will be done.

 

[DBT]

Hernandez wasn't an angel in college and before he got to UF he was either in or around gangs (I don't recall which). I'm not saying the CTE had no part in the violent crime he committed but it seems that his behavior would certainly be influenced by his shady past.

Perhaps an MRI should be done for every incoming freshman collegiate player so there would be a point of reference later. This past MRI could be compared to current ones so the doctors and players could make an informed decision.

MRI’s cannot detect CTE lesions. The only way they can is by dissecting the brain.

 

[BehindEnemyLines]

MRI’s cannot detect CTE lesions. The only way they can is by dissecting the brain.

Thanks for the info, and too bad.

 

[AeroBuff99]

Any study concerning CTE is scientifically suspect until they stop using self selected subjects. To be valid as far as showing the dangers of football or repeated impacts, they would have to have a randomized population with physical histories to compare against a random population of football players. They won't be able to do this until they develop a test that can identify CTE through imaging or bio marker testing. For all we know, CTE may be prevalent in players because it may produce traits in people that make them better players. Or it could be just a coincidence.

This does not mean that we shouldn't be concerned about player safety. We absolutely must continue to evolve the sport to reduce the chances and severity of head injuries through rules and equipment.

 

[The Alabaster Yak]

That assumes fans will provide those millions of dollars. I think there will be a big drop-off if it’s determined/ understood we are watching people damage their brains. At least it will affect me (already is to some extent).

Really? It’s already common knowledge that this sport damages brains, yet you are stil providing your time and money to it? Why wound that stop in the future?

 

[Buffalo Brad]

I believe we will move closer to Ruby in the future. You can modify the current game to be much more like rugby and still keep the excitement of the game. @BuffsRising said it first but there are many fewer concussions in rugby because without helmets there is no leading with the head and many of the coaches in the game teach proper tackling techniques. The game is fast, rough and damn exciting. Put in some of the football rules and plays and you would have a very fun game to watch. Go to full rugby rules and you have a great game already.

 

[aghcsm]

Really? It’s already common knowledge that this sport damages brains, yet you are stil providing your time and money to it? Why wound that stop in the future?

There is growing awareness and I expect the media to increasingly focus on this issue and throw it in our faces moving forward. We’ll see but I think in 5 years it will be represented as “politically incorrect” to be an NFL fan, unless the brain injury issues are explicitly addressed.

 

[Tatanka™]

Scientists are working on CTE detection in living patients.

Next challenge on CTE: Detect it in the living

If I had a son there is no way I'd let him play. I think there is a very good possibility that football as we know it for high school and earlier could change drastically or die out altogether in the not too distant future. It may continue to exist in the south because - well, it's the south.

The college and pro level are a different story. People pay big bucks to watch consenting adults beat the hell out of each other in boxing and MMA. We've seen how messed up so many of those guys become later in life. Those sports are still selling out arenas and doing huge PPV business. I don't think the obvious fact that football is destroying the brains of players is going to make the sport change that drastically. I think what will change is that a higher percentage of elite athletes will choose other sports. As the science becomes more indisputable it could get to the point where a large percentage of the players are people who couldn't afford go to college without an athletic scholarship. If you're a kid with decent grades and a family that can help you financially through college why would you subject yourself to likely brain damage? Is the slim possibility of NFL money and the additional brain damage that comes with it worth it? It wouldn't be for me knowing what we know now.

The science showing how much risk players are taking could very well lead to public sentiment forcing colleges to pay players.

Some sponsors may decide they don't want to be associated with it anymore, but there will plenty who are fine with it just as there are with boxing and MMA. TV ratings and attendance may decline some. I admit I feel some pangs of guilt when I see people get knocked senseless in both MMA and football but I'm still watching for now. Maybe the time will come when I decide I can't do it anymore. I would have said there was no way that would happen if you had asked me 10 years ago but I feel a little more guilty every year.

 

[StormTrooper]

An anecdotal case study...

I was born in 1995. When I was 9 I wanted to play tackle football. My parents were worried about the risk of injuries, but not concussions. I kept badgering them about it and eventually they let me play. I stopped playing after two seasons because I did end up hurting my ankle and didn't want to risk sacrificing the ability to play basketball in the winter. Now I'm honestly thankful for that injury.

My next door neighbor was born in 2005. He's probably more crazy about football than I was. A few years ago when he started asking his parents to play tackle they wouldn't let him, because of the research on concussions. He was really upset about it, and at the time I thought they should have let him do it, at least for a few years, but the more I think about it the more I think they did the right thing. He plays flag football and lacrosse now.

 

[steph]

The risk is real, but I think that the we will see less and less CTE as time goes on. The awareness of the risk has changed dramatically, and lead to changes in rules and changes in technique already. I am an old fart and when I played through high school and college back in the 70's and 80's, the response to "getting your bell rung" was smelling salts and get back into the game or practice, and it was not an uncommon occurrence. Helmets, especially in junior and senior high, and even in many college programs were often old and poorly fitting. Most of the guys now dying and getting diagnosed with CTE played at least partially in an era when that was all standard. It didn't just happen from in a few years in the NFL. They practiced differently with a lot more contact, they tackled differently leading with the head. Coaches were completely ignorant especially in youth football. You had, hopefully less so now, 8, 9, and 10 year olds in practice bashing there heads together repeatedly because they were coached often times by ignorant, obsessive parents whose knowledge consisted of "that's the way we did it back in the day and I am fine." The brain damage is additive, and symptomatic CTE takes years to develop, so what we are seeing manifest now reflects how football was played 10, 20, or 30 years ago. As I said, the risks are real, but I think the game and equipment will continue to evolve to significantly reduce the risk and recognizable football will still be around in 30 years.

 

[MtnBuff]

I believe we will move closer to Ruby in the future. You can modify the current game to be much more like rugby and still keep the excitement of the game. @BuffsRising said it first but there are many fewer concussions in rugby because without helmets there is no leading with the head and many of the coaches in the game teach proper tackling techniques. The game is fast, rough and damn exciting. Put in some of the football rules and plays and you would have a very fun game to watch. Go to full rugby rules and you have a great game already.

Agree that the game will move more towards rugby technique. Important to remember though that rugby while safer than football also has a significant incidence of concussions as players bang their heads against the ground or each other.

We like physical games, we gain a lot by playing physical games. We also accept risk playing physical games. It's a trade-off we have to understand and will continue to take.

 

[aghcsm]

The risk is real, but I think that the we will see less and less CTE as time goes on. The awareness of the risk has changed dramatically, and lead to changes in rules and changes in technique already. I am an old fart and when I played through high school and college back in the 70's and 80's, the response to "getting your bell rung" was smelling salts and get back into the game or practice, and it was not an uncommon occurrence. Helmets, especially in junior and senior high, and even in many college programs were often old and poorly fitting. Most of the guys now dying and getting diagnosed with CTE played at least partially in an era when that was all standard. It didn't just happen from in a few years in the NFL. They practiced differently with a lot more contact, they tackled differently leading with the head. Coaches were completely ignorant especially in youth football. You had, hopefully less so now, 8, 9, and 10 year olds in practice bashing there heads together repeatedly because they were coached often times by ignorant, obsessive parents whose knowledge consisted of "that's the way we did it back in the day and I am fine." The brain damage is additive, and symptomatic CTE takes years to develop, so what we are seeing manifest now reflects how football was played 10, 20, or 30 years ago. As I said, the risks are real, but I think the game and equipment will continue to evolve to significantly reduce the risk and recognizable football will still be around in 30 years.

Would be nice if you prove right on this.

 

[dwyermj]

The game changer in my opinion will be when CTE can get detected in the living. Even if there are huge dollars available in the NFL the majority of P5 football programs are players who won't be going to the NFL. If you have essentially no chance at being in the NFL and get diagnosed with early onset CTE you're going to quit football.

As much as I'd love to say soft helmets or no helmets would make the difference they are starting to link CTE to rugby. In my opinion it's flag football or nothing in the future.

 

[hokiehead]

.... I think the game and equipment will continue to evolve to significantly reduce the risk and recognizable football will still be around in 30 years.

I hope to hell that you're right

 

[DBT]

I believe we will move closer to Ruby in the future. You can modify the current game to be much more like rugby and still keep the excitement of the game. @BuffsRising said it first but there are many fewer concussions in rugby because without helmets there is no leading with the head and many of the coaches in the game teach proper tackling techniques. The game is fast, rough and damn exciting. Put in some of the football rules and plays and you would have a very fun game to watch. Go to full rugby rules and you have a great game already.

They are studying rugby and rugby has a very high concussion rate.

Edit: Just saw dwyermj’s post.

 

[OUBuff]

Jesus, long-winded much? ....didn't even really answer the question.

Dain brammage?

 

[The Alabaster Yak]

An anecdotal case study...

I was born in 1995. When I was 9 I wanted to play tackle football. My parents were worried about the risk of injuries, but not concussions. I kept badgering them about it and eventually they let me play. I stopped playing after two seasons because I did end up hurting my ankle and didn't want to risk sacrificing the ability to play basketball in the winter. Now I'm honestly thankful for that injury.

My next door neighbor was born in 2005. He's probably more crazy about football than I was. A few years ago when he started asking his parents to play tackle they wouldn't let him, because of the research on concussions. He was really upset about it, and at the time I thought they should have let him do it, at least for a few years, but the more I think about it the more I think they did the right thing. He plays flag football and lacrosse now.

Lacrosse deals with concussions too. So does soccer and hockey. It feels like ignorance to stop your child from playing football, only to be OK with him playing lacrosse.