Although I read the site daily, I'm not a frequent contributor. I felt compelled to add to this post, though, as a friend of mine is connected to this project.
My understanding is to expect insightful reporting to understanding the pressures faced as a star athlete while also examining what it means to stand at the intersection of fame, adolescence, and adulthood, all in the public eye.
Football has intertwined with my life since the moment I was born, which happened on opening day of the 1982 NFL season, and required my father (former Michigan RB Rob Lytle) to receive a police escort to reach his game with the Denver Broncos on time. Knowing the little I do about the story, I am excited to watch the project unfold both from the perspective of a lifelong Wolverine fan, and someone who is deeply invested in the personal stories beyond the field.
To steal a quote from my dad: If you gotta go, go blue!
is a challenging subject to evaluate. On one hand, there are important lessons that football teaches, in my opinion, better than any sport (work ethic, sacrifice, teamwork, commitment), but on the other hand there exists the violence and sometimes misplaced masculinity the game promotes.
Technology, science, healthcare and improved education are important components in the fight to raise awareness of the very real dangers of CTE. However, the less talked about fight that must take place is on the culture of invincibility absorbed by players and appreciated by fans. This culture makes it difficult for current and former players to admit that they're hurt or ask for help from fear of losing their place in the game.
My dad, former Michigan RB Rob Lytle, had CTE and a body pieced together by pins, screws and scars as a result of his dedication to football. Despite the pain, all he ever wanted after he retired was for one more play on any playing field. It hurt me to see how much he missed playing the game. If given the chance to do everything over again, knowing the risks involved, he would have made the same choices and played.
Football is violent, aggressive and dangerous. In turn, the men who play it must be violent, aggressive and dangerous on the field. My wish is that former players grow able to admit their physical and emotional struggles after leaving the game.
I wrote more on this subject on my site: kellylytle.com/2013/01/11/my-wish-for-football/
Recent Comments
Well, its 24 hours and 23 minutes till kickoff. Anyone know Michigan friendly bars in Knoxville, TN?
I promise good company: active buyer of drinks plus a collection of worthy anecdotes about Michigan football and Bo Schembechler.
As a wise man once said... If you gotta go, Go Blue.
Apologize for the confusion. Updated the post.
Although I read
Hi MGoBoard,
Although I read the site daily, I'm not a frequent contributor. I felt compelled to add to this post, though, as a friend of mine is connected to this project.
My understanding is to expect insightful reporting to understanding the pressures faced as a star athlete while also examining what it means to stand at the intersection of fame, adolescence, and adulthood, all in the public eye.
Football has intertwined with my life since the moment I was born, which happened on opening day of the 1982 NFL season, and required my father (former Michigan RB Rob Lytle) to receive a police escort to reach his game with the Denver Broncos on time. Knowing the little I do about the story, I am excited to watch the project unfold both from the perspective of a lifelong Wolverine fan, and someone who is deeply invested in the personal stories beyond the field.
To steal a quote from my dad: If you gotta go, go blue!
Thanks!
Kelly Lytle
is a challenging subject to evaluate. On one hand, there are important lessons that football teaches, in my opinion, better than any sport (work ethic, sacrifice, teamwork, commitment), but on the other hand there exists the violence and sometimes misplaced masculinity the game promotes.
Technology, science, healthcare and improved education are important components in the fight to raise awareness of the very real dangers of CTE. However, the less talked about fight that must take place is on the culture of invincibility absorbed by players and appreciated by fans. This culture makes it difficult for current and former players to admit that they're hurt or ask for help from fear of losing their place in the game.
My dad, former Michigan RB Rob Lytle, had CTE and a body pieced together by pins, screws and scars as a result of his dedication to football. Despite the pain, all he ever wanted after he retired was for one more play on any playing field. It hurt me to see how much he missed playing the game. If given the chance to do everything over again, knowing the risks involved, he would have made the same choices and played.
Football is violent, aggressive and dangerous. In turn, the men who play it must be violent, aggressive and dangerous on the field. My wish is that former players grow able to admit their physical and emotional struggles after leaving the game.
I wrote more on this subject on my site: kellylytle.com/2013/01/11/my-wish-for-football/