Fourth Down and Inches: Concussions and Football's Make-or-Break Moment

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Football is the most popular and profitable sport in American. Millions of teenagers flock to the bleachers on Friday nights to cheer on their high school teams. But are the thrills worth the risks? Young players frequently suffer from head injuries that can result in severe, permanent brain damage. The game as it's played today—subjecting players to intense physical battering with little regard for long-term health consequences—is sparking deep concerns from fans and insiders alike. A century ago, football faced a similar controversy and narrowly avoided becoming illegal. Can the game be saved a second time? Award-winning author Carla Killough McClafferty takes a timely, behind-the-scenes look at a sport in crisis, exploring its impact—physical and emotional—on its young devotees.