SUMMARY

Football's troubles with concussions and injuries have been well chronicled. A 2023 Boston University study found that those who start playing tackle football at an early age or play it for more than 11 years are at greater risk of cognitive and behavioral problems. That's started to change feelings about tackle football for kids. But in some Black communities like Lexington, Mississippi, the commitment and belief in youth football remains strong.

Marcus Rogers, head football coach of Holmes County Central High School in Lexington, says football teaches youth about life and that the sport has gotten safer.

View the transcript of the story.

News alternative: Check out recent segments from the NewsHour, and choose the story you’re most interested in watching. You can make a Google doc copy of discussion questions that work for any of the stories here.

WARM-UP QUESTIONS

1. Who are the individuals and groups featured in the piece?
2. What do Mason and R.J. want to be when they grow up?
3. What historical and societal problems do many residents of Lexington, Mississippi, face each day, according to this story?
4. Where is Lexington, Mississippi? Describe some aspects of the community.
5. Why does Mason Rogers think Football is important?
6. How does football give young people in Lexington hope, pride and a feeling of community?

FOCUS QUESTIONS

Why are communities of color like Lexington, Mississippi, sticking with football?

Tackle football participation is down 13.2 percent from 2019 to 2022 among kids 6 through 12, but thousands of young people continue to play the sport. If you were a parent, would you encourage your child to play football? Why or why not?

Media literacy: According to the video, "A Povich and Howard Center poll found that Black and Hispanic parents are nearly twice as likely as white parents to see youth football as a path to college scholarships and even the NFL."

Based on this statement, what additional information do you have questions about? Who else might you interview for this piece?

Alternative: See, Think, Wonder: What did you notice? What did the story make you think? What would you want to find out more about?

FOR MORE

What students can do: Watch the following Student Reporting Labs video (2014) and answer the following prompt: Compare and contrast the benefits and drawbacks of tackle football.

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