Austin's asking the right questions and trying to come to terms with his observations and answers.  Football isn't the only problem, see DucksInARow post below for other sports with severe head injuries.  Athletics within reason are great, sports never have been nor ever will be life and death or our nation dependent on them.  An athlete jeopardizing his/her body for a fleeting victory, temporary glory, and the entertainment of others without common sense safety rules, i.e. banning "heading" globally in soccer, just isn't worth it and coaches and fans shouldn't expect it.  And kids who recklessly put their bodies on the line or attack others (fair play or not) should have escalating penalties until banned for the season from college on down.  As more and more parents route kids into safer athletics (my wife and I did) let's make the GAMES safer for those who don't.