Why I Say Yes to Women’s Tackle Football and Risk of Injury

Monday Night Football on December 4, 2017 sent waves through the football community.
I mean it was as if time had stopped. An injury in any case is terrifying. But, this night I’m sure everyone held their breath as Pittsburgh Steeler’s Linebacker (#50), Ryan Shazier hit the ground after a tackle. A tackle leading with his head, crown down. He immediately reached for his back and awkwardly flipped over. Stunned by what I watched, a fear swarmed over me.
I play football. Yes, the sport considered to be the most dangerous.
What if this was me?
If it can happen to a professional, then it can definitely happen to me.
What if this was my teammate? My opponent?
Aware of the risks of playing football, I sunk into my fear for a moment. Actually more than a moment, a few days.
I panicked at the thought of paralysis. He. Could. Not. Move. His. Legs.
Still speechless, I watched as they carted him off the field.
Proper technique a.k.a form tackling focuses on bringing an opponent down without risk of injury to the head or neck. Heads Up, a USA Football training program, certifies coaches and sports leaders in acknowledging and addressing safety issues in football.
Yet, a professional who has spent his life perfecting this technique became injured and then hauled off to the hospital.
It’s not the first time. But, could it be the last? Please!
I wrestle between my desire to continue playing and my safety. I haven’t spent nearly as much time playing football. And half of that time actually tackling.
Women Tackle Football is the low man on the totem pole. It doesn’t get the recognition it deserves. Lacking is the proper support and funding to ensure our safety and success. If an injury like this can happen to a pro, what do you think can happen to women who voluntarily risk their well-being to play?
Yes, I can admit that I was and am still scared. There is too a fear when I drive anywhere. Accidents happen. I’m afraid to leave my house because of the dangers that lurk outside my door. I’m always scared. But, the difference here is that I have to leave my house and get in my car to go to work. Those are actions that help me pay my bills, eat, live and survive. Football is not that. I don’t need it to survive.
The beauty in that though is survival isn’t based only on what you need. You can prepare, adapt, and fight for what you want too.
While Shazier’s injury is the highlight reel in my mind, I’ll prepare for what I want. Every moment is an opportunity to improve and build my confidence in tackling and in football.
Fear + Improper Technique = Increased Risk of Injury
Injuries may happen. I’ll then need to adapt to what coach throws at me. One week I may play Linebacker, but next week I might be Tight End. Game time is uncertain and it’s just as much a mental sport as a physical one.
Most importantly, I’ll fight. Football is a physical sport. Of course, I’m bound to get bruised, beat up, and thrown around on the field. But, I’ll fight for my team, my safety, and better support for these women.
My fear can’t get the best of me. It won’t get the best of me. Otherwise, I’m no good to my teammates. I’m no good to myself and my safety.
So yes, Women’s Tackle Football may be low on the totem pole. But we can’t forget that the bottom of the pole is the best carved. It is as important as any of the other parts. I’ll take that.
And, I’ll take lessons from Shazier’s injury and recovery. Because like life, do I run from fear? Do I allow it to dictate my moves?
Nah.