While the countdown to Super Bowl XLVII marches on, something else is competing with the Big Game for attention and press time: the long-term impact of concussions and whether or not tackle football is actually a safe game to play.
A series of violent off the field incidents and increased awareness about the devastating toll repeated blows to the head can take have cast doubt upon the future of the NFL in some people's minds. President Obama himself chimed in on the debate during an interview with The New Republic that was published this weekend.
“I’m a big football fan, but I have to tell you if I had a son, I’d have to think long and hard before I let him play football,” Obama said. “And I think that those of us who love the sport are going to have to wrestle with the fact that it will probably change gradually to try to reduce some of the violence.”
Carolina Panthers tight end Greg Olsen, apparently, doesn't see things the same way. In a tweet addressed to Obama on Tuesday evening, he wrote:
Sorry President Obama but my guy is going to play. Haha #inhisblood twitter.com/gregolsen82/st…— Greg Olsen (@gregolsen82) January 30, 2013
The statement immediately provoked a slew of responses from followers, including a number who took his post rather seriously:
“@bobbyc_thetribe: Add Greg Olsen to the long list of idiotic athletes RT @gregolsen82: Here is problem with our country. Why so serious?— Greg Olsen (@gregolsen82) January 30, 2013
That also led to Olsen expanding on his position on the hottest topic in American sports:
Just tired hearing guys who made careers playing FB bash it. If it is so bad give back the money it gave u. Nobody forces anyone to play— Greg Olsen (@gregolsen82) January 30, 2013
I chose to play bc it's my passion since age 5 and allows me to provide for my family. My decision. I am fully aware of what's at stake— Greg Olsen (@gregolsen82) January 30, 2013
Of course I wish everyone could be injury free. And attempts to make safer are great. But bottom line it is COLLISION sport.— Greg Olsen (@gregolsen82) January 30, 2013
I also would never criticize a person for not allowing child to play. I understand that. All I'm saying is if you choose to play u get risks— Greg Olsen (@gregolsen82) January 30, 2013
For more, you can check out Olsen's timeline. It's not exactly ground-breaking stuff, but was nonetheless very interesting to see a high-profile NFL player use Twitter to debate with fans (and Obama) about a controversial, hot button issue. But what do you think -- does football deserve the bad rap it's getting, and would you let your kid play? Give us your take in the comments.