Hot Topic: Football

Professional football is America’s most popular sport and the Super Bowl is the most watched television program in the country. But with all the tackling and aggressive blocking, it is also quite dangerous for players. Between fractures, dislocations, sprains, muscle strains, and concussions, an estimated 1.2 million football-related injuries are sustained by players each The Torah directs us to guard our health, and extends this directive to guarding the health of others as well. To what extent is the NFL responsible to protect its players?

Article, lesson plan and source sheet included.

GRADES: 7-10, 50 minutes

ESSENTIAL QUESTION: To what extent is the NFL responsible to protect its players from CTE and other injuries?

LESSON AT A GLANCE In an effort to protect NFL players from head injuries that can lead to degenerative brain disease, some fans are advocating for increased safety measures, while others don’t want to see their favorite sport change. In this lesson, students consider the violent nature of football and the effects of repeated concussions on a player. Students watch a video about concussions in football, study Jewish texts about the values of staying safe and protecting others, and organize an educational campaign for student athletes.

OBJECTIVES

·         Students will consider whether football is a healthy sport or a dangerous one.

·         Students will study Jewish texts related to staying safe and protecting others.

·         Students will develop a campaign to educate student athletes in their schools about the danger of concussions.