ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Pioneer High School coach Bill Bellers stood before his team in an overflowing huddle, reading the safety warning on a white sticker affixed to a purple football helmet.
Bellers asked his players if they understood the risks and still wanted to be a part of the season’s first full-contact practice on a field that sits across the street from Michigan Stadium.
“Yes, coach,” the players replied matter-of-factly.
Bellers had a follow-up question.
“Does everybody still want to play football?” he asked.