Or Hockey or Soccer? Concussions are common in many sports, soccer which is considered a "safe" alternative to football has the second highest rate. Also not unlikely to occur in Basketball or Baseball.
The biggest thing for me is the aim of the sport. The aim of American football is to stop the opposing team using your body; soccer and hockey both involve pretty intense strategy to get the ball/puck in the net.
Hockey does have some body-body impact (through checks). I haven't played much hockey, so I don't know how severe it is.
I think the general overemphasis on sports in this country (are other countries as bad?) is ridiculous. Resulting in things like parents getting into fights over it. And parents ignoring doctors recommendations to pull the child out because of a concussion ("But they need to get back in the game!" "My son is no quitter!"). Its just insane. Is it really that important that you be the best at throwing a fucking ball around?
Me personally, I'd rather be the best at creating something.
The biggest thing for me is the aim of the sport. The aim of American football is to stop the opposing team using your body; soccer and hockey both involve pretty intense strategy to get the ball/puck in the net.
Hockey does have some body-body impact (through checks). I haven't played much hockey, so I don't know how severe it is.