The Damar Hamlin tragedy captured the attention of people around the country and around the world. It was scary and a reminder of just how fleeting life can be.

Unfortunately, some people have politicized the event and are using it as a weapon to attack the game of football.

Pundits across all networks spent the week questioning if the game is too violent and if it should be played anymore. Some went as far as to suggest that the sport promotes heterosexuality and violence. That is idiotic. However, I cannot say I’m surprised. That is the political climate in our country today.

The reality is, football is violent. No one ever said it wasn’t. It is why people routinely consider it the most physical sport in the world. However what happened to Damar Hamlin has happened to other athletes in other sports. There have been other near tragedies that for whatever are ignored or get glossed over. 

On Thursday night, an Army Hockey player got cut in the neck by a skate. The injury was similar to an incident involving former Buffalo Sabres goalie Clint Malarchuk in 1989. Malarchuk almost bleed out on the ice after getting neck slashed by a St. Louis Blues player. We have seen basketball players and soccer players collapse on courts and fields across the world with similar heart ailments. I do not recall people calling for those sports to be banned.

I get it. Football is under a microscope thanks in large part to concussions and CTE. Coaches across all levels have worked tirelessly to make the game safer. What happened to Hamlin was a freak incident. It could have happened to any athlete in any sport. It is simply not just a football issue.

Are there risks associated with playing football? Of course. The injury rate is higher than any other sport. We know that. However, you can get hurt playing any sport. Injuries are a part of playing sports.

Let’s not waste our time debating whether or not football should exist. Let’s work to make the game safer and take care of the guys who played our great game after they retire.

The conversation should be about Damar Hamlin’s recovery and supporting him moving forward. Not about eliminating the game he loves.

Let’s make football safer and more inclusive instead of labeling it and condoning it for political purposes. Our country needs this great game more than you will ever know. Trust me.