Former NFL player and neurosurgeon addresses CTE concerns and youth football safety
The NFL season has returned, accompanied by new warnings from health experts about chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE).
Dr. Myron Rolle, a neurosurgeon and former NFL safety, joined the discussion in an in-studio interview.
When asked about a recent study that found one in four NFL players who died between 2016 and 2021 had CTE, Rolle said it’s very alarming and reminds players that the game still has its dangers.
Rolle recently joined the NFL Players Association in a role focused on player safety and healthcare.
On whether the NFL is moving in the right direction to protect players, he said the league has made strides, but there is still work to be done to ensure the long-term health and safety of athletes.
With high school football underway and many children starting the sport at an even younger age, Rolle shared a message for parents.
He said parents should be informed about the risks and benefits of football and ensure their children are playing in environments that prioritize safety.
Rolle emphasized the role of coaching at the youth level in improving safety, saying coaches are critical in teaching the proper techniques of the game and fostering a culture of safety from the very start of players’ football journeys.