Super Bowl = Super Bad

On Sunday, millions of Americans across the country will gather in front of their television sets to enjoy a game of football.

The teams will vie for a trophy and bragging rights. Who is the best team in the National Football League?

While fans sit on the sidelines, either from the stadium or in the comforts of their homes, football players are putting their lives on the line.

I read an Associated Press article this week that took an in-depth look at the injuries sustained by football players who played years with the league.

The men interviewed in the article revealed that they would sustain major head trauma, huge blows to the body and brain, and continue playing. Players would not want to seem like they couldn't handle it.

Men told of times they would play while dizzy and unable to see properly. Others shared accounts of pills they would take before games so they wouldn't feel any pain.

These players are going to face a lifetime of debilitating injuries as a result of time spent playing. I am a strong supporter of additional restrictions and regulations on the league to prevent this from happening anymore.

Someone needs to be held accountable for what happens on the field. These players can't do it alone; there needs to be responsibility.

I thought this would be the time to write something about the issue and bring additional attention to it. I think reform would mean tighter regulations on helmets that are allowed, as well as more time required before players return to the game after sustaining major blows.

I think fans play a part in it, too. I read that there will be a public service announcement during one of the game commercials to bring attention to the issue. So while watching the big game on Sunday, take a moment to do your part to be educated about such injuries so both players and viewers can really enjoy the game.

Sauk Valley Media reporter Kiran Sood covers government and happenings in Sterling and Rock Falls. She can be reached at ksood@saukvalley.com or at 800-798-4085, ext. 529.