Damar Hamlin and The Future Of Football

We saw the worst incident possible take place Monday night in the NFL’s Bills vs. Bengals game in Cincinnati. Damar Hamlin’s well-being is all that matters in the grand scheme. We all know that life-and death issues are more important than any other game.

Many people have asked me what this means for the future of football — even though that doesn’t matter at all in this situation.

I believe we have seen safety protocols improve: We are more aware of how to reduce head injuries and what to do to keep the game safe. We’ve also seen multiple high-profile players retire very early because of their personal health and future — look at Luke Kuechly or Andrew Luck.

Despite all the safety improvements made, football is still dangerous. The more you play football, the more violent it becomes.

You still continue to try and make it safer, but we all know how big of a risk high-level football is to a player’s health. It is also important to recognize that what happened to Damar Haylin is not common. I have been watching football for more than 30 years and have never seen anything like it.

Concussion is a different issue than the horror that we witnessed Monday night. Both can be very frightening, but it is important to distinguish the two when discussing persistent injury issues.

Every year, we talk about the future and whether players will soon be wearing flags. Although we must continue to find ways of keeping players safe, the risk will still be present. The sad irony? That the game that is so dangerous is also why we love it so much.

It’s the reason the sport is as popular as it is — the speed and violence of the game.

Sometimes we get so wrapped up in our team and our bets, we forget that these people are superhuman beings doing incredible things in real life.

Is there any great solution for player safety? Although there is not yet a great solution for player safety, we all know the risks and can recognize them when we play. It doesn’t make it hurt any less and yes it is just a game. But if we take away what makes the game great to prevent what makes it dangerous, we won’t have a game.

Compared to life-or-death, it really doesn’t matter, but we have to be honest with ourselves during such a trying time.

We pray for you Damar, and God bless your family.

Jake Crain is the co-host “Crain & Company.” the Daily Wire’s sports show hosted by former athletes and coaches Jake Crain, Blain Crain, and David Cone. Follow him on Twitter at @JakeCrain_

The views expressed in this article are the author’s and not necessarily those of The Daily Wire.