Love has a way of blinding people to the faults of the people they love. The same goes for the things people love to do, including watching and playing football.

Even I am conflicted about my feelings toward football when I read about the risks and dangers that come to players, including concussions, spine injuries and traumatic brain injuries. It’s even worse when you hear about the risks that young children face when playing PeeWee league football.

Some parents sign their children up to play PeeWee football with hopes that their children will turn out to be star players when they get to high school, college or even professional levels. But these parents need to know that these children can suffer irreparable brain damage, leading to a condition called Chronic Traumatic En- cephalopathy (CTE).

Sophomore Michael Rodriguez has played football since he was 6 years old.

According to an article in the New York Times titled “Don’t let kids Play Football” Unlike other organs in our bodies the brain can’t heal itself, symptoms may include: major depression, memory loss, suicidal thoughts and actions, loss of intelligence as well as dementia.

Academically wise, these kids who are starting football early are receiving brain injuries that will make them struggle with learning. It’s also good to let your child explore other clubs and activities that peak their interests, especially when they are at a young age.

Around the ages of 18 or so, when other dangers — like smoking, drugs, and anything dangerous that children could get their hands on — the public would express their concerns and laws would be passed. For example, you can smoke in certain places and have to be 18 and over to buy cigarettes. But yet not many people express concern for the consequences of playing football and possibly causing extreme brain damage.

However, the lure and excitement of the game is too much for some to resist. Students who I have talked to said these risks would not stop them from playing at early ages.

Traditions and following in the footsteps of parents shouldn’t be more important than a child’s long-term health. Football may be fun but there are medical issues involved when starting at a young age.

When parents consider signing their children up for PeeWee football they should consider these risks and the impact they could have on their children’s health and careers.