U.S. Parents 'Warned' After Tragic High School Football Death
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The U.S. is warning parents after a latest high school football death.
Adam Massman, a high school football quarterback in Wisconsin, is dead at 17. He died after suffering a horrific injury during his team’s first game of the season. Massman, a two-sport star, was set to have a big senior year.
Tragically, high school football deaths are becoming more and more common. Last year, six high school football players died in a span of weeks, from practice and game injuries. Some young players died suddenly after collapsing at practice, while others died from injuries during game play.
Football is a dangerous and violent sport. Injuries cannot be 100 percent prevented. However, in the wake of this latest death, the U.S. is warning parents to follow proper safety protocols and make sure that football is the right pick for their children.
Parents warned about high school football dangers
The following safety tips are being offered by doctors across the country:
- Be Sure He’s Ready. Before age 6, most children lack the motor skills, balance and attention span for football. By age 10 or 12, most are physically and cognitively ready, but parents should still be careful, Dr. Khabie says. For example, some 10- to 12-year-olds may be starting puberty, which can make a big difference (pubescent boys will be taller, heavier and stronger, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they’ll be better football players). Growth spurts can temporarily affect coordination, balance and athletic ability, which can also make a child seem more or less ready for football.
- Gear up. Make sure your child is using the right protective gear: pads (neck, shoulder, elbow, chest, knee, and shin), helmets, mouthpieces, face guards and the rest. Be sure the equipment is in good condition and worn correctly, every time he plays. Poorly fitting equipment will be uncomfortable and may not offer the best protection.
- Pick the best program. Enroll your child in an organized program that’s committed to injury prevention. Coaches should be trained in first aid and CPR, be well versed in the proper use of equipment and enforce rules on safety.
- Condition young muscles. Build your child’s strength and flexibility with conditioning and stretching exercises. Make warm-ups and cool-downs part of his routine, before and after every practice and game. This can help minimize the chance of muscle strain or other soft tissue injury during sports.
- Remember: Practice makes perfect. Children should learn and practice essential skills, such as tackling or blocking, and follow proper safety precautions every time they step onto the field, Dr. Khabie says. Statistics show that the majority of organized sports-related injuries occur during practice, but one-third of parents don’t have their children take the same safety precautions at practice that they do on game days.
Our thoughts, meanwhile, continue to be with Adam’s friends and family members during this difficult time.
This story was originally published by The Spun on Aug 23, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add The Spun as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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