Participating in the game of football is a perfect way to stay fit both mentally and physically, while at the same time has been known to have negative effects on high school athletes. Taking part in the sport can improve an athletes physical and mental well being by enhancing physical fitness, promoting competitiveness, teaching the value of team work and enabling players to receive a scholarship. However, the sport can also have negative side effects on an athlete by exposing them to serious injuries, performance enhancing drugs, erratic behavior such as bullying, and requires so much dedication there is a lack of free time for high school athletes to experience life. (1) No American game has won so much praise and at the same time, so much censor, as has football. Football has been criticized by so many, the question is being asked, “ Do the positive benefits of playing football, outweigh the negative effects?” Many parents are starting to question if it is healthy for their children to play football. One of the most rewarding benefits of playing football is the positive effect it has on the body and mind. Player workouts tend to benefit the whole body. Weight lifting builds muscle in the upper and lower body, while running drills and plays contribute to a healthy cardiovascular system. Not only does playing football have positive physical effects on the body, it also has considerable mental benefits. The exercise one acquires while at practice or participating in a game has a renowned effect on the mental well being of a player. (2) Exercise helps produce endorphins and serotonin in the body. This aids in stabilizing mood, creating positive feelings of happiness and reduces stress. Thus, creates a happier and healthier football player. Football practice everyday gives one an opportunity to relieve stress by doing strenuous workouts. Football requires a player’s body to be in top physical condition , that is why many programs require their players to work out all year long. Summer workouts and two a day practices are another way to prepare their body for the upcoming season. Those who participate in a football program will benefit greatly from the physical and mental conditioning and be in the best condition of their life. Another significant quality gained from playing football can be used later on in life. Competitiveness is a trait built on the gridiron. Every player strives to do their best to compete with others on the team. There are only eleven positions on the field so every day a player has to do their very best to compete for one of those spots. Football teaches players to strive for excellence. Winning becomes an important goal for a football team. Earning a chance to go the playoffs pushes teams to be competitive. This also pushes the individual player to do the best they are capable of doing. As a player becomes an adult, this competitive trait will help them to achieve greatness. For instance, in the work force, being competitive will encourage one to work hard to obtain promotions or bonuses. Football not only builds competitiveness, it assist in creating strong willed, hard working individuals.