Recruitment for College Teams

While playing football throughout high school, you always have the idea in the back of your mind if this athletic career will continue into college. When considering this transition between a high school athlete to college you have to really commit yourself, and your body to the possible health risks. Once you commit to playing in college you are putting yourself at risk for long term injuries. Football has be more competitive and dangerous throughout the years and by putting yourself in that competive world you are setting up your life for a physically challenging retirement. Many football players are suffering from long term joint damages, potentially needing surgery to fully recover.

While reading the Washington Post, they interviewed Jerry Kramer, an All-Pro offensive lineman with the Packers from 1958 to 1968 who won two Super Bowls under Coach Vince Lombardi. He is currently putting off a hip replacement, and when asked about his injuries gave this response, “Injuries? Let me give you a list,” Kramer, 77, said. “Broken bones, leg, the leg below the knee, separated bone and ankle, had to have bolt put in, thumb, arm, broke rib, detached retina, concussion – all from football.” 

When you are trying to decide if it is worth the health risk to play football in college, consider the issues the Kramer just described. Do you want to put yourself through all of that pain? The higher up you get while playing football the more seriously injured you could possibly get. You have to ask yourself how much you love the sport, and if the injuries can be overshadowed by the passion you have for the sport.