Editorial: ‘Tackle Can Wait’ campaign comparing kids playing football to smoking causing us to think

A “Tackle Can Wait” campaign public service announcement shows a mom lighting a cigarette for her son, who is a youth football player. The PSA aims to show how youth ages 5 to 14 are 10 times more likely to get the brain disease CTE by playing tackle football. (Screenshot)

The recent “Tackle Can Wait” public service announcement has caused a stir among parents, coaches and players, forcing them to at least think about the potential harm playing tackle football at a young age can cause.

The PSA begins on a football field with kids dressed in full gear playing a game. One player is tackled roughly to the ground and a whistle blows. A coach then begins handing out cigarettes to his players, and also shows a mom lighting one up for her son.

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