Charlottesville, VA (CVILLE RIGHT NOW) – In a recent discussion, Dr. Bobby Chhabra addressed growing concerns over injuries in football, particularly following the tragic death of 16-year-old Caden Tellier during a high school game in Alabama. 

The incident was especially alarming because it did not involve a violent hit, highlighting the unusual and unpredictable nature of such injuries. Despite existing safety measures, Tellier’s death has intensified calls for stricter precautions in youth sports. 

Dr. Chhabra emphasized the need to re-evaluate safety protocols: “You have to own up to it… you have to look at this situation with fresh eyes to figure out what could we have done differently to keep it from happening.” The incident has drawn attention to the potential for more comprehensive medical pre-screening for athletes to prevent similar tragedies in the future, emphasizing the importance of ongoing vigilance in player safety. 

As football remains a high-contact sport, this tragedy has ignited a broader discussion about the inherent risks involved. While significant strides have been made in improving equipment and enforcing protective rules, Dr. Chhabra’s comments suggest that further action is necessary to better safeguard young athletes from such devastating injuries. 

Listen to the full conversation here: