Super Bowl Sunday has plenty of kids dreaming big, hoping one day they could end up on the professional football field. Area doctors at the University of Rochester have a warning for parents pertaining to high impact sports.

Chief of Sports Medicine Dr. Michael Maloney says sticking to one sport all year long can impact development and make young bodies more prone to injury.

“Sports specialization, I think, makes people more prone to injury,” said Maloney, “because they are not allowing their bodies and joints to heal properly. So, they are subjecting their developing joints and growing bones to high levels of frequent, intense stress; not giving it time to recover.”

NFL quarterback Patrick Mahomes of the Kansas City Chiefs recently shared that he spent his developmental years playing whatever was in season. Dr. Maloney says Mahomes is a perfect example for young student-athletes and how they also may be benefit from ‘playing the field’ in a variety of sports.

“Patrick grew up playing baseball and football,” said Mahomes. “I think baseball as well. You can see elements of those sports when he plays quarterback. He is able to change his arm angle; he can make different throws that a lot of quarterbacks have problems making … he would tell you he learned that from basketball. He really is a generational talent I think.”

Dr. Maloney says while focusing on just one sport is a choice, it is vital to look at the ramifications.