I generally side with you on this, but it is pretty alarming how much the socioeconomic makeup of young football players shifted after information about CTE/brain injuries became more available. I remember listening to a podcast on it a few years ago, and it kind of changes the picture a little bit when you think about playing football as a voluntary action where the player assumes all risks without external coercion. Is it voluntary if it’s largely pursued as a way to elevate the economic status of your family? I guess technically, but the disparities can give some pause.

Here’s one article I found on it.