The Problem with Youth Football

Haven't managed to wrestle away power from the locals yet?

 

They dont want power. But id be fine with it. They played college and pro and know what it takes.

 

Okay. My knowledge of former pros in youth sports is fairly limited, but usually one goes hand in hand with the other no matter how true either are.

 

They have the best interest of their own kids and not seeking the limelight

 

To play in D1 and in the pros, it takes picking the right parents and winning the genetic lottery.

 

But what if you really want it? 5'8, 140, and all heart?

 

Why don't any of those old Vols / Pros get off their asses and coach, just like other men once did, and thus allowed them to be Vols / Pros, to begin with?

 

You become an Auburn fan.

 

Some dont see the need for tackle ball until 7th or 8th. Many do coach middle and HS ball here. I'm guessing 20+ former titans and vols are on staffs or training them on the side to work on things that practice time doesnt allow.

 

Fair.

As a random dude who was the Commish of a flag league for five years, and who had aspirations of giving kids a way to play flag until they were 12 or so...but who now is involved with tackle...I can’t more strongly agree with VT53 that flag isn’t football.

And at these young ages, the difference between those kids who played tackle at 7 vs those who came later, is substantial, and the more years that they delay that experience, the difference grows exponentially larger and more difficult to mitigate and overcome.

 

Fair as well. There is an adjustment to the physical aspect absolutely. I think youd be surprised at how many really good players didnt start playing until they were a teenager.

 

In two years of being around 7 and 8s I've seen exactly one kid who blew me away, as in, if he develops he'll be a Power 5 player no doubt.

These kids are out there because they enjoy playing football. If I were a former NFL player who knew my son won the genetic lottery and had a chance to play in the pros, maybe I hold him out to cut down on wear and tear. As it is, my son just loves football and has exactly 10 years that he'll be able to play, and if he wants to and it's safe, then I'm going to let him.

 

That plays a part, but it also helps to have a healthy chip on your shoulder. There are a lot of well coached kids with physical stature and ability who peak in high school.

 

I know its come up before and some have varied views, but the wait in part is due to more opinions about hits to head early on as well.
https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/...-the-age-of-12-get-cte-symptoms-much-earlier/