The impact of football on student–athletes with education-impacting disabilities

Abstract

ABSTRACT The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of football on student–athletes with education-impacting disabilities. Nine football student–athletes diagnosed with education-impacting disabilities at one NCAA Division I institution participated in this study. Data from the semi-structured interviews revealed three themes: focus development, maturity development, and self-improvement. Overall, the data divulged that playing football allowed the participants to focus, clear their minds, become mentally strong, and develop a resilient work ethic. The participants also credited the sport for becoming better men.