Research shows the odds of developing CTE increase 30% for every year of tackle football played. That means a child who starts tackle at age 5 has 10x the risk of CTE than one who starts at 14. There is no reason young children, with developing brains, should be exposing themselves to a degenerative brain disease. It’s time to Stop Hitting Kids in the Head. | Concussion Legacy Foundation

CTE doesn’t just impact professional and collegiate athletes. In many sports research shows a dose-response relationship, meaning the longer you play, the higher your odds of developing the disease. Tim Roberts only played tackle football from age 8-18. He never played the game past his high school career in the suburbs of Chicago. Long after his playing days were over his family noticed changes in his behavior, including irritability, aggression, and problems with drinking. He passed away in 20