I'm going to make an assumption, those kids who have protective parents rarely make it to division 1, regardless of the times. For many kids in the city and area I live in, its there only way out. Football will always do well, if you look at the combine players are getting bigger, stronger and faster...they know the risk.
In terms of youth take in consideration cost, its the most expensive youth sport. That's why there is a growing popularity to flag football.