There are no precise statistics on how many schools have shut down their football programs because of safety concerns, but a number of teams have been disbanded as participation in tackle football nationwide has declined amid rising awareness of concussions and other dangers.

Despite the popularity of college and professional football, the number of male high school football players has fallen to about 1.08 million this year, a 2.4 percent decline from five years ago.

Pop Warner, the largest youth football organization, has seen larger decreases. It has also been sued by a parent of a playerwho committed suicide at 25 and was found to have chronic traumatic encephalopathy, a brain disease linked to repeated head hits.

I like watching football but I don't like the permanent damage it causes.

Something is going to have to change about football.

The danger to the individuals who play it is clear.