Traditionally, that side of the problem has not been publicized with as much voracity and frequency as has the effect these substances have had on professional sports organizations like the NFL and Major League Baseball.
Fortunately there are current and former NFL players who have taken an interest in the issue and are trying to bring some attention to the problem. Hall of Fame linebacker Dick Butkus is one of those people, doing his part through his "I Play Clean" Campaign, which educates teens as to the dangers of steroids, and points them instead toward eating right, training hard, and playing with attitude.
About Football recently had the opportunity to discuss the problems steroids present for today's youth with Butkus, and it's obvious he takes his role very seriously. (Read the entire interview)
"About 85 percent of kids feel they are not getting proper education about the dangers of steroids," Butkus told About Football. "That’s very alarming. That’s why we are doing this. We’ve partnered with a brand like EAS (Energy-Atletics-Strength) to help us teach kids about proper sports nutrition and putting the right types of things in your body.
When asked what he feels the NFL should do about this growing problem, Butkus continued, "We could use their help raising awareness and educating young athletes on the dangers of steroids. It would be great to get some key players on board with the message. Role models such as Matt Hasselbeck, Larry Fitzgerald and Brady Quinn support the message through their relationship with EAS, an organization that has partnered with us to help deliver the message effectively. If we get to young people early on, we can hopefully help solve the problem once and for all.
Along with educating teens, Butkus' organization encourages young athletes to sign a pledge to play "clean".
Butkus also says it's important for parents to be proactive in educating their kids as to the dangers instead of waiting for the warning signs to emerge.
"Don’t wait until then. Talk now to your kids and coaches about competing without using steroids."
And for today's youth he offers this advice: "Take the lesson from sports and apply them to your whole life – the values you learn, the importance of hard work, teamwork and taking care of your health. There’s a lot of life to enjoy after your sports career is over."
Read the entire interview with Dick Butkus!
