Is it possible: Too Much Football?

[Catstatic]

Could it be too much football is causing bodies to break down? Saw an interview with Pete Rose and he said that focusing on one individual sport all year ends up in injuries. His example: Tommy John surgery. He said the reason it's called what it's called is Tommy John was pretty much the only one who had it! Now? Dozens every year. His conclusion: arms were never meant to throw as much as pitchers throw now. The body needs time to heal.

We used to play baseball, basketball and football every year, depending on the season. Sort of like how farmers rotate their crops for the long-term health of the soil. Now? One sport all year long. Are bodies simply breaking down because of this at younger and younger ages?

Another question: could the artificial turf be to blame for all the foot injuries to receivers? Hope not, because no way Arizona removes that brand new turf. Seems odd that so many of our receivers are dealing with injuries to their feet.

Go Cats!!

[azpenguin]

As for the turf, they're practicing most of the time on grass.

Lots of higher profile athletes are starting to speak out against kids specializing in one sport. They're saying let the kids play baseball, football, basketball, track etc, let them figure out which one they like, and they'll be better and healthier for it.

[Merkin]

I have nieces who play college soccer, they play all year round due to club sports and such.

Tommy John surgery is unnatural. Players get it who don't need to just to get more zip on the ball.

My wife never let my boys play football. I recall seeing something on HBO 10 years ago or so about the NFL, and every single one of the big uglies said they know their knees will be gone by age 50 and will have problems walking later in life.

Then there is this:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/10/0 ... 11142.html

A shocking report from PBS Frontline says 76 of 79 deceased NFL players suffered from the degenerative brain disease chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE).

CTE is caused by repeated head trauma, where the functioning of the brain is interrupted and nerve cells begin to die, according to Frontline. It is associated with memory loss, confusion, impaired judgment, impulse control problems, aggression, depression, and, eventually, progressive dementia.

[Fishclamps]

I honestly think it's because players are so much bigger these days but their frames haven't evolved to fully support it. Just a lot of stress on joints when you're carrying that much bulk.

And Tommy John can be attributed to kids these days not limiting their pitches when they're younger.