When the Helmet Comes Off

On Friday nights, we see them shine. Under the stadium lights, surrounded by the roar of the crowd, student-athletes chase their dreams. They demonstrate incredible discipline, resilience, and talent, battling through exhaustion and pressure. But when the weekend ends, many of these same athletes face a different kind of challenge, one that is often invisible but far more consequential to their future: the daily academic grind.

Across the United States, a silent crisis is unfolding within our youth and high school sports programs. Far too many gifted student-athletes are falling behind in core subjects like reading and math, struggling to maintain eligibility, and watching their future opportunities shrink. Alarmingly, only a small fraction of those who struggle ever receive the educational support they are legally entitled to. The reason is simple: the dots between athletic performance and academic struggles are rarely connected, and parents often don't know where to turn.

It is time to dismantle the myth that athletic talent and academic challenges are separate issues. They are intrinsically linked. If we want our young people to win at the game of life, we must begin advocating for their educational success with the same vigor we bring to the sidelines.
 

The Unseen Reality: The Numbers Behind the Struggle
 

While national averages suggest that 10–15% of students are supported by Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) or 504 Plans, our experience on the ground paints a much starker picture, particularly in underserved communities where educational inequities are most pronounced.

Through our work with youth football programs nationwide, we estimate that as many as 40% of student-athletes show signs that they need formal learning support, yet the vast majority have never been formally evaluated. An additional 30% may be struggling in silence, undiagnosed and unsupported. These are the students often mislabeled by the system as “lazy,” “unmotivated,” or having “behavioral problems.”

Why does this happen? Some parents fear the stigma of a “label.” Many coaches are not trained to recognize the subtle signs of a learning difference. And too many schools lack the resources to properly identify and support these students. The outcome is tragic: countless student-athletes are benched by the academic system long before they ever get a fair shot at a college career.
 

Your Playbook for Success: Understanding IEPs and 504 Plans
 

Let us be perfectly clear: IEPs and 504 Plans are not about lowering academic standards. They are strategic tools designed to level the playing field, ensuring that students with learning differences or disabilities have fair access to the curriculum.

Consider these examples:
 

• A student with ADHD might receive extended time on tests or one-on-one instruction to help with focus.

• An athlete with dyslexia could benefit from text-to-speech software or specialized reading intervention.

• A teenager coping with anxiety might need a quiet testing environment or the ability to take short breaks.
   

These plans unlock academic potential, restore a student's confidence, and are often the key to maintaining eligibility for sports. Without them, we are asking our children to run a race with weights on their ankles while expecting them to keep pace.
 

What Parents Can Do Today
 

If you are a parent reading this and it sounds familiar—if your child pours immense effort into their sport but struggles to keep their head above water in school—you are not alone. The solution does not begin with blame; it begins with action.

Here is your three-step game plan to advocate for your student-athlete:
 

1. Ask Probing Questions.
   Initiate a conversation with your child's teachers and guidance counselors. Ask directly: "Is my child reading and performing math at their grade level? Are they passing all their core subjects? Have you noticed any struggles with focus, memory, comprehension, or following directions?" If the answers raise concerns, it's time for the next step.
    

2. Formally Request an Evaluation.
   As a parent, you have the legal right to request that your child be tested for learning differences. Put this request in writing and send it to your school’s principal and special education coordinator. An official request requires a formal response. If the school denies your request, they must provide their reasons in writing.
    

3. Seek Outside Expertise and Support.
   If your school is not responsive or you need additional guidance, there are outstanding national organizations ready to help you navigate the process:
    

   Understood.org: Offers clear guides for parents, templates, and expert advice.

   Wrightslaw.com: Provides information on your legal rights and advocacy strategies.

   Parent Training and Information Centers (PTICs): Find your state’s center at parentcenterhub.org for local support.
   Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates (COPAA): Helps you find qualified advocates and attorneys at copaa.org.
    

If you disagree with the school's evaluation, you have the right to request an Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE), which the school district may be required to fund.
 

Changing the Culture for Our Children
 

Our society glorifies athletic achievement while too often ignoring the academic red flags that can derail a young person’s life. This has to change. Our athletes deserve more than just a highlight reel; they deserve the lifelong advantages of literacy, numeracy, and the critical thinking skills that will prepare them for the world long after their playing days are over.

Let's empower parents to be the most powerful voice in their child's corner. Let's train coaches to be advocates who recognize the signs of a struggling student. Let's make academic game plans just as critical as the ones drawn up for the field.

When the helmet comes off for the last time and the stadium lights fade, the only thing that remains is the foundation we helped them build. Every single student-athlete, regardless of their zip code or diagnosis, deserves a real shot at lasting success.

It's time we give them one.