Jordan Kohout retires, at age 21

Sad news today from the Badger Football beat, as defensive tackle Jordan Kohout has left the roster due to frequent and severe migraines—including two strokes—caused by playing football.

This is another worrying sign that modern-day football may be too violent for human brains to endure. Kohout's comments to Mike Lucas were not encouraging:

Cognizant that there has been an heightened awareness to head injuries in football at all levels, Kohout said, “I’d have a migraine and we’d kind of wonder if it was concussion-related.’’ 

It’s pretty difficult to ignore head contact on the line of scrimmage, he acknowledged. 

“Playing D-tackle, you’re hitting a big dude every single play,’’ Kohout said. “You’re getting your hands on somebody and you’re bringing your head in there a lot of times. 

“It was always something I did to gain extra pop; maybe I shouldn’t have, but that’s just the way I’ve always done it. Extend your hands out and pop with your head; every single play usually.’’ 

I have to believe that the "pop with your head" move is detrimental to a person's long-term health.