On June 8, I was in a head-to- head collision with another teammate at football practice and was out for an entire month of July until I was cleared.

In week two of the season I was blindsided by an opposing player. I failed my imPACT tests multiple times and my mother decided I should see a doctor.

I was cleared but faced with this tough decision – I could play football but gamble with my life, or I could quit football forever but be unhappy. I chose to return to football and finish the season. Most people would say I am gambling with my life and being reckless.

In some ways I am, but football is a sport I can’t live without. Taking football away from me is like taking water from a fish. Choosing not to do something you love because there’s an outside chance of something bad coming from it is no way to live your life.

While there is danger in the decision I chose, I’m doing everything I can to keep myself safe and limit the dangers that go with my decision. Decisions are tough, but in the end follow your gut and do what you think is best.