Football remains one of the most popular sports in the United States, played by millions of young athletes at the high school and collegiate levels. However, emerging research continues to reveal significant risks associated with repeated head impacts, including chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) and long-term mental health issues. As more evidence accumulates, questions arise about the safety of the sport and what can be done to help those affected by traumatic brain injuries (TBI) sustained on the field.
A growing body of research suggests that repeated head trauma—even at the high school level—can lead to lasting neurological and psychiatric consequences. A 2023 study led by Dr. Ann McKee and published in JAMA Neurology found that 41.4% of young athletes under 30 who had experienced repetitive head impacts had evidence of CTE. This neurodegenerative disease, linked to memory loss, impaired judgment, mood disorders, and progressive dementia, was once thought to primarily affect retired NFL players. However, these findings show that amateur athletes are not immune.
Beyond structural brain damage, there is increasing concern about the psychological toll of playing high school football. A 2023 study in the Journal of Neurosurgery: Pediatrics found that 36% of male high school football players reported at least one psychological symptom, with irritability being the most common . These findings suggest a strong association between head injuries and emotional dysregulation. Additionally, a BMJ Open Sport & Exercise Medicine meta-analysis found that former elite athletes, including football players, were more than twice as likely to suffer from anxiety and depression compared to the general population.
Research from the Football Players Health Study at Harvard University further supports this link. The study analyzed data from over 3,500 former NFL players and found that those who experienced more concussion symptoms had significantly worse cognitive and mental health outcomes, including higher rates of depression and memory-related diseases.
For those who have suffered repeated head trauma from football, recovery requires a comprehensive approach that takes into account both neurological and psychiatric factors. A thorough neuropsychiatric evaluation is essential, as post-TBI symptoms can vary widely from cognitive impairment to mood instability and increased impulsivity. Regular monitoring helps identify changes over time and allows for adjustments in treatment.
Medication can play a role in managing post-TBI depression, anxiety, or mood swings. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are often used to help regulate mood, but because individuals with TBIs may have heightened sensitivity to side effects, careful dosing is necessary. In some cases, medications that improve focus or stabilize mood can be beneficial, though each treatment plan should be tailored to the individual’s needs.
Psychotherapy is also a crucial part of recovery. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) has been shown to help TBI patients manage emotional dysregulation, address negative thought patterns, and develop better coping strategies. Mindfulness techniques can also aid in emotional control and stress reduction. Many patients benefit from a combination of talk therapy and structured rehabilitation, particularly in the early stages of recovery.
Exercise and physical therapy play an important role as well. Research in JAMA Network Open suggests that light aerobic activity, introduced carefully in the early stages of recovery, may help with both cognitive function and mood regulation. However, returning to full-contact sports too soon after a concussion or head injury significantly increases the risk of further damage. For young athletes, prioritizing brain health over immediate athletic performance is critical to long-term well-being.
Family education and social support are just as important as medical treatment. Many individuals recovering from TBI experience frustration, mood swings, and difficulty with relationships. When family members understand these challenges, they can provide better emotional support and reduce feelings of isolation for the individual in recovery.
With mounting evidence linking football to serious neurological and psychiatric consequences, it is worth asking whether the sport’s benefits outweigh its risks. Football offers teamwork, discipline, and physical fitness, but it is also one of the few widely played sports where brain trauma is an almost inevitable outcome. Unlike injuries in other sports, concussions and repeated head impacts in football can lead to long-term cognitive decline and psychiatric disorders, sometimes decades after a player has left the field.
In public health, activities known to cause serious harm—like smoking, excessive alcohol use, or exposure to hazardous substances—are met with strong regulations and warning labels. Yet, despite studies showing that nearly half of young football players may already have early signs of CTE, the sport continues to be promoted at the youth level with minimal safeguards. Efforts to improve helmet technology and modify tackling techniques may help reduce risk, but they do not eliminate it. The fundamental nature of the sport—repeated high-impact collisions—means that some level of brain trauma is unavoidable.
As more research emerges, the conversation around football and brain health must evolve. Schools and athletic programs need to prioritize concussion education, implement stricter return-to-play protocols, and offer greater mental health support for players. Parents and athletes should be fully informed of the potential risks before making the decision to participate. At the same time, more investment is needed in developing alternative sports that offer the benefits of teamwork and competition without the high probability of neurological injury.
The evidence suggests that football, as it is currently played, carries significant long-term health risks. While some will continue to argue that the sport is too embedded in American culture to change, the question remains: Should young athletes continue to be exposed to a sport that is increasingly linked to brain disease? More importantly, will society acknowledge these risks and take action, or will the culture of football continue to override concerns about player health?
A growing body of research suggests that repeated head trauma—even at the high school level—can lead to lasting neurological and psychiatric consequences. A 2023 study led by Dr. Ann McKee and published in JAMA Neurology found that 41.4% of young athletes under 30 who had experienced repetitive head impacts had evidence of CTE. This neurodegenerative disease, linked to memory loss, impaired judgment, mood disorders, and progressive dementia, was once thought to primarily affect retired NFL players. However, these findings show that amateur athletes are not immune.
Beyond structural brain damage, there is increasing concern about the psychological toll of playing high school football. A 2023 study in the Journal of Neurosurgery: Pediatrics found that 36% of male high school football players reported at least one psychological symptom, with irritability being the most common . These findings suggest a strong association between head injuries and emotional dysregulation. Additionally, a BMJ Open Sport & Exercise Medicine meta-analysis found that former elite athletes, including football players, were more than twice as likely to suffer from anxiety and depression compared to the general population.
Research from the Football Players Health Study at Harvard University further supports this link. The study analyzed data from over 3,500 former NFL players and found that those who experienced more concussion symptoms had significantly worse cognitive and mental health outcomes, including higher rates of depression and memory-related diseases.
For those who have suffered repeated head trauma from football, recovery requires a comprehensive approach that takes into account both neurological and psychiatric factors. A thorough neuropsychiatric evaluation is essential, as post-TBI symptoms can vary widely from cognitive impairment to mood instability and increased impulsivity. Regular monitoring helps identify changes over time and allows for adjustments in treatment.
Medication can play a role in managing post-TBI depression, anxiety, or mood swings. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are often used to help regulate mood, but because individuals with TBIs may have heightened sensitivity to side effects, careful dosing is necessary. In some cases, medications that improve focus or stabilize mood can be beneficial, though each treatment plan should be tailored to the individual’s needs.
Psychotherapy is also a crucial part of recovery. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) has been shown to help TBI patients manage emotional dysregulation, address negative thought patterns, and develop better coping strategies. Mindfulness techniques can also aid in emotional control and stress reduction. Many patients benefit from a combination of talk therapy and structured rehabilitation, particularly in the early stages of recovery.
Exercise and physical therapy play an important role as well. Research in JAMA Network Open suggests that light aerobic activity, introduced carefully in the early stages of recovery, may help with both cognitive function and mood regulation. However, returning to full-contact sports too soon after a concussion or head injury significantly increases the risk of further damage. For young athletes, prioritizing brain health over immediate athletic performance is critical to long-term well-being.
Family education and social support are just as important as medical treatment. Many individuals recovering from TBI experience frustration, mood swings, and difficulty with relationships. When family members understand these challenges, they can provide better emotional support and reduce feelings of isolation for the individual in recovery.
With mounting evidence linking football to serious neurological and psychiatric consequences, it is worth asking whether the sport’s benefits outweigh its risks. Football offers teamwork, discipline, and physical fitness, but it is also one of the few widely played sports where brain trauma is an almost inevitable outcome. Unlike injuries in other sports, concussions and repeated head impacts in football can lead to long-term cognitive decline and psychiatric disorders, sometimes decades after a player has left the field.
In public health, activities known to cause serious harm—like smoking, excessive alcohol use, or exposure to hazardous substances—are met with strong regulations and warning labels. Yet, despite studies showing that nearly half of young football players may already have early signs of CTE, the sport continues to be promoted at the youth level with minimal safeguards. Efforts to improve helmet technology and modify tackling techniques may help reduce risk, but they do not eliminate it. The fundamental nature of the sport—repeated high-impact collisions—means that some level of brain trauma is unavoidable.
As more research emerges, the conversation around football and brain health must evolve. Schools and athletic programs need to prioritize concussion education, implement stricter return-to-play protocols, and offer greater mental health support for players. Parents and athletes should be fully informed of the potential risks before making the decision to participate. At the same time, more investment is needed in developing alternative sports that offer the benefits of teamwork and competition without the high probability of neurological injury.
The evidence suggests that football, as it is currently played, carries significant long-term health risks. While some will continue to argue that the sport is too embedded in American culture to change, the question remains: Should young athletes continue to be exposed to a sport that is increasingly linked to brain disease? More importantly, will society acknowledge these risks and take action, or will the culture of football continue to override concerns about player health?
Medical Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare providers about specific medical decisions.