High school football remains a cornerstone of Wisconsin’s autumn traditions, drawing crowds of teenagers, parents, and community members to Friday night lights across the state. The sport’s cultural significance is matched only by the growing body of research that links repeated head impacts to long‑term neurological damage, including chronic traumatic encephalopathy.
In August 2025, 17‑year‑old Adam Massman died after a helmet‑to‑helmet collision during a game, marking a rare but tragic reminder of the potential dangers on the field. While such fatalities are uncommon, data from the National Center for Catastrophic Sports Injury Research shows five indirect deaths among middle‑ and high‑school players in 2025, with no direct traumatic injuries recorded.
From 2016 to 2025, the average number of deaths among young athletes fell to 8.4 per year, a 44 % decrease compared with the previous decade. Nevertheless, the sport still produces a substantial number of catastrophic injuries; 39 non‑fatal cases were reported in 2025, with 31 occurring at the middle‑ and high‑school level.
A Safer Path Forward
In response to the mounting evidence, the Ivy League banned full‑contact practices in 2016, and the NCAA subsequently recommended limiting such sessions to one per week. The NFL and its players’ union have adopted similar restrictions, aiming to reduce cumulative head trauma during training.
Flag football, which eliminates many of the high‑impact collisions inherent to tackle play, has emerged as a compelling alternative. A 2021 CDC study found that flag football is 15 times safer for children aged 6‑14, with players experiencing a median of eight head impacts per season compared with 378 in traditional tackle leagues.
Coaches and parents are being urged to teach proper tackling techniques that keep the head upright and use the shoulders to absorb hits. Emphasizing technique over brute force can significantly lower the risk of concussion and more severe brain injuries.
Community Response
Local districts across Wisconsin are reviewing safety protocols, from equipment standards to practice schedules, while also promoting flag football programs for younger age groups. The conversation reflects a broader national trend: balancing the sport’s deep‑rooted tradition with the imperative to protect the next generation of players.