Football has always been risky when it comes to physical injuries, but in 2002 it was first implicated in Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE), a degenerative condition identified in the 1920‘s. CTE can cause problems in thinking, regulation of emotions, and other physical problems. Like Alzheimer’s Disease, it can only be diagnosed after death.

Some professionals are walking away from millions of dollars in income because they fear the long term effects.

Researchers are investigating whether the same risks exist for children playing the game. There are currently 3,000 fewer students playing high school football in 2017 than in 2016 according to the LA Times.