In the last several years, the game of football has become more highly scrutiny due to the health concerns that come with the territory as the presence of CTE in the brain that has contributed to the premature death of many former NFL players has given some hesitance to parents to allow for their children to play the game.

There are also other factors at play aside from that stem from various other possible injuries that could arise from participating in football. However, Oakland Raiders head coach Jon Gruden has voiced that he believes it has put the game under duress for what he sees unnecessary because of the benefits that come with it. (h/t Tyler J. Smith of Silver and Black Pride)

“We love high school football and you know I think it’s smart for everybody at this level, pro football, NFL, to give back to youth football. We’ve got a problem I think in this country. The game is under siege by a lot of people who don’t think it’s a safe game. They don’t think it’s a good game anymore and I think that’s hogwash. We’ve got to encourage kids to play, get the benefits of being on a team, and try to support these programs because they’re not getting much support anymore. We want these kids to come out, see some of the guys they look up to, get some autographs and get excited about their season,” said Gruden.

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Gruden is hoping to help push away that negative narrative has been built around the game over the last several years with the rise of concern toward the possibility of CTE and other medical issues. He sees the benefits of it helping build a strong level of comradery and competition among the children involved.

However, this has seen a significant shift toward there being a more thought-out approach to the children's involvement as the parents have a more clear understanding of the risks that may arise. It is something that will continue to hang overhead of the game of football, which has pushed the NFL to put in more rules to make it a safer game to play. However, it is simply a highly physically-demanding sport that at times can be reckless and dangerous.

Nonetheless, Gruden hopes that this won't shift parents from allowing their kids to participate in the game that has helped put together the most popular league in the United States.