Uploaded November 2023 | Updated September 2026, 1 day ago
CLF Legacy Family Community member Jan Franklin lost her son Jason to suicide in 2018 when he was just 26 years old. He was later diagnosed with stage 2 CTE. Jason started playing tackle football when he was 7. Reflecting on Jason’s rapid spiral following his college football career, Jan says she never would have let him play tackle football had she known about the potential for such tragic outcomes.
Jan says parents must understand the long-term risks associated with tackle football’s repetitive head impacts. Jan joins CLF in advocating for a minimum age requirement for tackle football — at least 14 — to protect young athletes’ brains.
For more perspective, read Jason’s Franklin’s Legacy Story here: concussionfoundation.org/personal-stories/legacy-stories/jason-franklin
CLF Legacy Family Community member Jan Franklin lost her son Jason to suicide in 2018 when he was just 26 years old. He was later diagnosed with stage 2 CTE. Jason started playing tackle football when he was 7. Reflecting on Jason’s rapid spiral following his college football career, Jan says she never would have let him play tackle football had she known about the potential for such tragic outcomes.
Jan says parents must understand the long-term risks associated with tackle football’s repetitive head impacts. Jan joins CLF in advocating for a minimum age requirement for tackle football — at least 14 — to protect young athletes’ brains.
For more perspective, read Jason’s Franklin’s Legacy Story here: concussionfoundation.org/personal-stories/legacy-stories/jason-franklin
