Opinion: Am I a hypocrite for loving football despite CTE?

• • Michael Arkush expresses moral guilt over watching football despite the known risks of CTE.


• • A 2026 BMJ study found CTE in 215 of 235 donated brains from former NFL players.


• • The debate centers on the tension between enjoying the sport and the reality of cumulative head trauma.

Context
CTE is a degenerative brain disease caused by repeated head impacts that can only be diagnosed after death. Recent research suggests high prevalence rates among deceased players, though some dispute the exact statistics due to donation bias.

Christian Perspective
The hesitation felt by fans reflects a modern sensitivity toward physical harm and the sanctity of the body. However, football remains a celebration of strength, discipline, and masculine struggle which are vital virtues. True morality lies in the pursuit of excellence and the courage to face physical adversity.

Implications
The scrutiny of football threatens to erode traditional masculine spaces and the physical grit that defines American character. If society prioritizes safety over strength, it risks producing a soft and fragile citizenry. Protecting these arenas of competition is essential for maintaining a robust and capable population.

Broader Trends
This debate is part of a larger cultural movement toward hyper-sensitivity and the pathologizing of normal physical struggle. Such trends often serve to weaken the traditional patriarchal structures that rely on physical toughness and competition. This shift aligns with a broader effort to dismantle the rugged individualism central to the American spirit.

Takeaway
Reject the guilt imposed by a culture of fragility and continue to value the virtues of strength and competition. Support institutions that honor the warrior spirit and the physical discipline of men. Focus on building strong, resilient families that value toughness over the comforts of modern safetyism.