Giants Hall of Famer explains why he won't let grandson play football

While the dangers that come with playing football are becoming more and more well-known, former New York Giants linebacker Harry Carson decided not to allow his grandson to play the game long ago. 

A guest on "CNN This Morning" this week, Carson explained his decision, pointing to the possible long-term effects of playing the sport on the body and brain, some of which have only recently come to light. 

"I became like the tyrant of my family because I knew certain things that were not being said," Carson said. "I told my daughter, 'My grandson will not play football.' He was two years old." 

Carson's comments came in light of the devastating Damar Hamlin situation, which is bound to give pause to parents of children who play football around the country.  

While Carson held an unwavering opinion regarding his grandson's participation in football, he had a similar response when asked what he would tell the Bills' 24-year-old safety and his family about returning to the football field. 

"If he asked, 'No, give me the truth, should he play?' I would say no. He should not go back," Carson said. "Because you've already sustained an injury, at some point down the line, you might sustain another injury, and you might become an altogether different person than you are now." 

On Thursday, doctors at the University of Cincinnati medical center provided a promising update on Hamlin's condition. According to Dr. Timothy Pitts, Hamlin is awake and responding to doctors' commands. 

When asked if Hamlin could play football again, Pitts said it's too early to speculate, adding that the focus was getting him breathing on his own, getting him stronger, and getting him back home.