Participating in sports at every stage it is a CHOICE. I think girl's soccer ranks third in concussions behind football and boy's ice hockey. The brain damage does not suddenly begin in the NFL nor limited only to football.

Just like the evolution if you will about the dangers of tobacco products, second-hand smoking and so forth, their is now plenty of information and warnings about the hazards of football as it relates to CTE. Sadly, for many of the players noted in this article, the depth of information was not readily known during their playing days. 

Yes the equipment is safer, rules are stricter and the standards for being able to re-enter a game are higher...but there will ALWAYS be a danger to participants. Yet it remains a CHOICE. If you do not like the potential consequence of participating in a sport, then do not participate in it. You have now been warned!