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Young kids should probably not play tackle football. I know this intellectually, but emotionally, I'm conflicted. I love this sport. I grew up playing and adoring football. I love the brotherhood, teamwork, athletic grace that borders on superhuman, grit, pressure and, yes, contact. I love the contact.

Both of my sons used to coach high school football. When they started, I'd say things I shouldn't have. So I learned my lesson.

I always told my dad I'd play professional football.

In my neighborhood in Springfield, Ohio, there were a lot of young kids. We all played tackle football after school, but I knew very early on that I was not an athlete.

I have been playing football since I was 7.

Every kid I've been around as a football player, they want their coaches to make them better as men and as players.

In football, you have to grow up quickly, and you're generally more mature than other people your age.

As a kid, I played my share of football in the street or in a vacant lot. When we were playing in the street, it was more touch football, so we didn't hit each other into cars.

I started playing soccer at age 6 and played both outfield and goalie. Back then, no one wanted to go on goalie - coaches would make deals with me so I'd do it. It's a tough position as a kid.

When my first semester grades came out, my mom and dad told me I wouldn't be playing football.