This photo provided by the University of Maryland shows Terrence Byrd, president of Maryland Heat, a youth tackle football program, speaking to players after practice in Fort Washington, Md., Nov. 9, 2023. Tackle football offers children as young as 5 the chance to make friends, learn teamwork and maybe win a college scholarship. Growing research shows it also can cause injuries that damage developing brains. (University of Maryland/Torrence Banks via AP)
This photo provided by the University of Maryland shows a Maryland Heat youth tackle football team practicing in Fort Washington, Md., Nov. 9, 2023. Some parents are opting to enroll their children in leagues that play flag football, which limits contact on the field. But youth tackle leagues remain popular in many parts of the country. (Univ. of Maryland/Freddy Wolfe via AP)