Trying to make it less violent won't change anything. No amount of training or coaching is going to stop the violent head to head collisions and it seems new research is indicating it's not the big blow up hits as much as the constant blows that you can't take out of the game (I don't see linebackers and running backs not taking shot after shot with their heads ever).

Is it going to end up like boxing where it becomes a sport that only those with no other choices play it (kind of modern gladiator games) where you accept a diminished life for the chance to be a star?

The biggest question in my mind is does the knowledge we have and will have begin to impact the draw or are the lawyers just going to litigate it out of existence at the younger levels.

I know two kids that the Jr High coaches here are trying to get involved who laughed at the coaches and told them they are not interested in brain damage. Now, on the other hand these are not kids that are going to end up playing college football.

I think the kids who end up playing at elite level won't be impacted by knowledge about the risks, at least most of them. The question is when will schools and youth programs begin shutting football down because of the risk and more importantly, the cost of litigation. I have a friend who runs a local youth sport foundation and they are already being pressured to get rid of football.

I have a 14 year old son, I can honestly say I was not unhappy when he didn't want to play football in 7th grade and I know several parents who say the same.