http://www.nytimes.com/2014/09/13/sp...-released.html

A third of NFL retirees are exhibiting brain damage.

The concussion protocol will help some, but probably it's the repetitive, moderate level trauma that is scrambling the eggs.

How many parents today want their kids playing football? Even without the brain threat, lots of people are walking funny from old football injuries. As an amateur sport, I think football is drifting towards being a gladiator sport, like MMA. There will always be some kids who want to play, but a lot of best athletes will play other sports.