Don't Hate the Game, Hate the Culture
Hmm, where do I begin?
I was hesitant to even write about this young kid getting his snot box busted, believe it or not, this is football ladies and gentlemen. Yes, the game has evolved. Football players aren't taught to lead with their heads anymore. That type of head-to-head contact is prohibited. However, I get annoyed when former ballplayers or anyone who played this game becomes ultra-sensitive about the savage nature of football. Football is the one sport where you won't get arrested for hitting a mother fucker first. The young ball carrier in this video is doing what every kid is taught, be the hammer, not the nail. Now, for the brave soul that went in for the tackle, blame your Father. Kid, not the game. (Joking)
Advertisement
But who is to blame for such a cringe-worthy moment. Is it the coaches, for allowing this young tiger to get washed up by someone bigger than him? Do we blame mom and dad for sitting there in their folding chairs with a yeti cup filled with wine while watching their firstborn get sacrificed in front of his or her peers? Maybe we as a society are to blame for allowing countless acts of stupidity like this to take place on football fields across America. Where is the cancel culture when you need them?
Personally, I blame youth football and everything that comes along with it. I don't think kids should be allowed to play football until they are in the 6th grade which makes them roughly 11-12 years old. When engaging in contact sports, parents have to be aware of what getting the shit knocked out of you does especially, if you're not used to that type of contact. It's important to build a callus on your child, you don't want your kid to regret ever putting on a helmet. Football is an amazing sport but shit gets real extremely fast if you aren't properly prepared. Some kids are more aggressive than others, that's life. These days children are bigger, faster, and stronger. They shouldn't be punished or held back for being physically gifted. I believe that parents should start their children in mixed martial arts or flag football, basketball, and/or baseball. I don't mind soccer either, just watch out for the headers.
Advertisement
A lot of folks in the comment section are calling for these coaches' heads. But if we are being really honest, I'm sorry to admit it, this is football. It's violent! Your child's opponent will play with ill intent. His size and speed will always play a factor. When the rubber hits the road, what is your kid going to do? I know, his fucking instincts are going to kick in, he's going to lower the crown of his head and either deliver a blow or take one. Should these coaches be dealt with accordingly, maybe? But that undersized tackler will be in that position again, on a football field with the game on the line. It will be just him and the opposing ballplayer. Who is to blame then? If he gets smoked or maybe the Lil warrior makes the tackle. Either way, the game doesn't change. So here is my question for all you mom and dads. What's more important to you? The fame or will you continue to watch your kid play a game as violent as football and continue to suffer through hard hits and serious injuries at such a young age? Or, will you. prep your child and respect what the game's demand? You do this by providing a proper diet, strengthening and conditioning, and holding youth football coaches accountable when they step out of line. In the end, the game doesn't change just the name on the back of the jersey. It's your child, either way, just make sure you're doing it for him, not you.