09/06/2026
🏈 MORE THAN A GAME—TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF
The recent deaths of several middle-school, high-school and college football players have weighed heavily on many of us. As coaches, parents and members of the football community, these tragedies remind us that no practice, play or game is more important than a young person’s life.
Players—please speak up if something doesn’t feel right. Chest pain, trouble breathing, dizziness, severe headache, confusion, unusual weakness or feeling overheated should never be ignored. Being tough doesn’t mean hiding symptoms. Real toughness is knowing when your body needs help.
Drink plenty of water throughout the day—not just at practice. Eat properly, get enough sleep and tell an adult immediately if you feel different or have taken a hard hit.
Parents and coaches, we must listen when an athlete speaks, watch closely for warning signs and never hesitate to pull someone from the field. Parents we ensure you we have emergency plans, training and a working AED are available wherever our children practice and play.
Football teaches toughness, discipline and brotherhood—but taking care of one another must always come first. Check on your athletes, encourage them to communicate and remind them that their health matters far beyond the scoreboard.
Please keep the families, teammates, coaches and communities affected by these heartbreaking losses in your prayers. 🙏🏈