In California, some want to ban kids under 12 from playing tackle football. In fact, the California State Committee on Sports voted to advance a bill that would do just that.
Democratic California Governor Gavin Newsom has vetoed the measure. Yet former New England Patriot and Tampa Bay Buccaneer Rob Gronkowski says he supports the idea.
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“I think it’s a fair proposal, and I’m for it,” Gronkowski said on Wednesday during an appearance on “The Claman Countdown” on Fox Business.
He added, “I love the game of football, and I love that these kids want to play the game of football. But to play the game of football at such a young age, I think is a little dangerous.”
On Tuesday, Governor Newsom said that he will not sign legislation that bans tackle football.
Newsom said, “I am deeply concerned about the health and safety of our young athletes, but an outright ban is not the answer.”
Gronkowski believes that flag football should be promoted as an alternative solution.
‘You Can Still Garner the Attention of the Game of Football’
Fox Business reports, “What I would propose and what I think should be marketed out there more is flag football. These kids should be playing flag football.”
“You can still garner the attention of the game of football,” Gronkowski said in his interview with Fox Business host Liz Claman. “You can still also learn the game of football. You can also develop your skills of the game of football through flag football.”
“Flag football is fun to play,” the retired NFL star added. “I loved playing flag when I was growing up. To have flag football for kids under 12, I think is an excellent idea, and I think they shouldn’t be playing tackle football or the real game of football until about seventh grade, once their body and bias have developed.”
Rob Gronkowski retired from football for the second time in 2022.
