Growing Up on the Gridiron

August 1, 2020

In the past few years, more has been learned about the impact of concussions and the lasting efffects of CTE. When he died, Owen Thomas became the youngest person known to have signs of CTE, which is caused by repetitive brain trauma. Journalist Mayk interviews friends, family, and teammates to tell the life of Thomas and how, after his death by suicide at age 21, his story continues to make an impact. Thomas grew up playing football in northeastern Pennsylvania; he loved the sport and ultimately went on to play at the University of Pennsylvania. Mayk beautifully tells about Thomas and his life through those close to him. She also interviews researchers at the Concussion Legacy Foundation. Ultimately, Thomas's parents wanted his story to be made public in hopes that it could provide others with more information on how CTE and concussions can have severe impacts on young people, not just veteran players as previously thought. VERDICT Highly recommended for those wanting to learn more about CTE, especially how it can impact young athletes. This memorable story will stay with readers long after finishing the last pages.--Pamela Calfo, Bridgeville P.L., PA

Copyright 2020 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

September 1, 2020
Owen Thomas played football in youth leagues, in high school, and in college. In 2010, after Thomas' death by suicide at 21, his brain was examined by neuropathologist Ann McKee, the nation's leading expert on chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). Her shocking findings revealed that Thomas' brain was similar to those she'd examined of elderly former boxers and longtime NFL players. The culprit in Owen's case, McKee concludes, was youth-league football. There is a tragic irony at the heart of Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reporter Mayk's revealing account of Thomas' short life. Initially, he was a talented soccer player and made the area's travel team. However, his parents couldn't afford the costs associated with the travel and directed him to football. Owen became enamored of the sport, its camaraderie, and warrior mentality. As Mayk and McKee discuss, once a young man embraces football, it's very difficult to get him to step back. The solution, they argue persuasively, may be to keep youngsters away from tackle football until they're older. Mayk seamlessly integrates details of CTE into this moving story of a family who lost a son.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2020, American Library Association.)