‘They got it, or they don’t’: Huard discusses the move to tackle football on Jake and Spike

Jake Skorheim, co-host of “The Jake and Spike Show” on KIRO Newsradio, is coaching his sons’ flag football team. However, he has some concerns about the transition from flag football to tackle football.

Former NFL quarterback Brock Huard, co-host of “The Brock and Salk Show” on Seattle Sports, joined “Jake and Spike” to discuss the impact of football on children.

“My son is 10, and some of his friends were asking, ‘What does next season look like?” Jake asked. “Are you going to play in the flag football league again, or are you moving up to tackle to start developing those skills?”

Brock explained that ensuring your child is ready before moving onto a more physical sport is essential. Even though some children develop faster than others, he says there are “some who got it, and there are some who just don’t.”

“The worst thing is when kids start playing tackle football at eight or nine, and little Johnny gets hit in the face, gets hurt, and realizes he doesn’t like the pain—so he quits football,” Brock said. “Let’s not do that. Let’s keep them in flag football as long as we can. For some boys, yeah, you can tell—they’re built for it and ready to move up. But others need more time, and that’s OK.”

Parents should consider if they’re kids are ready for tackle football

Even though it can be difficult for parents to make the decision, a child should never be put in a position where they’re not ready for the next level and could get hurt.

“The other really important thing is just body control, like bigger kids, especially if they, and my son fits into this, I think he may have wanted to play earlier,” Brock said. “I’m like, ‘No, it’s not beneficial for you, because you don’t have the coordination and the body control.'”

Brock added that gender plays a large role in determining when a child is ready to compete at a more challenging or physical level.

“In younger ladies, it’s very difficult if they don’t have it, very difficult to equip and coach it in, they got it, or they don’t,” Brock said. “And, you know, the ones that don’t, yeah, sure, you can always elevate, but you’re never going to change that nature, I think boys are different.”

Listen to the full conversation below:

Listen to “The Jake and Spike Show” weekdays from noon to 3 p.m. on KIRO Newsradio 97.3 FM. Subscribe to the podcast here.