I also wanted to play football in high school. My dad (a former high school football player) was all for it. My mom refused. Today I'm thankful she didn't let me play.
I enjoy watching football but it's hard for me to watch players risk their livelihood in such a dangerous game. The game has to evolve. There are more and more mothers who will prevent their sons from playing this sport and there will be a diminishment in talent in the game. Kids will opt to play basketball, soccer, or even golf. This is an existential problem for the game and I fear the game is just one high profile player on the field death away from being doomed.