Additionally, 37% of repeat traumatic brain injuries in the study were caused by football. The study also found that youth football players with TBIs face a higher risk of several consequences than other athletes. "After adjusting for age and sex, researchers found among those who played football, those with TBI had a 23% higher risk of chronic headaches compared to those without TBI, as well as a 5% higher risk of visual impairment, a 5% higher risk of anxiety, a 3% higher risk of depression and a 1% higher risk of substance use disorders. He described the steps that should be taken to decrease the dangers from youth football. "Our findings highlight youth football as a critical public health priority, suggesting that brain injuries sustained during key stages of development may reshape health later.

Source: Los Angeles Times March 10, 2026 18:26 UTC