(NewsNation) — Football is back. But with Friday Night Lights comes increased scrutiny on the safety of players, including their risk of concussion and developing CTE, the degenerative brain disease caused by repeated hits to the head.

A 2017 study found that more than 87% of football players tested across all levels — high school, college, and pros — were positive for Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy.

Because less than 0.03 percent of high school athletes make it to the NFL, doctors want to protect against unnecessary risks.

They say the best strategies for parents are to monitor the jarring hits that young players take, to know the symptoms to watch out for, and to see a specialist, if necessary, before it’s too late.

“Their brains are still drastically growing over time, whereas an

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