Growing up in the southern US, it was definitely cultural. Football is the single biggest sport and spectacle that most high schools have to offer. College football rivalry game days are practically holidays (TSIO, IYKYK) in the south. There was significant social pressure to play football, all the best athletes played because everyone (kids and parents) dreamed of college ball, and that was 15 years ago when the "only" incentive was a scholarship. With the development of NIL deals and high level college athletes now legally getting paid to play (reportedly up to 7 figures for the top recruits), I doubt that the pressure on high school athletes is any less intense.
For what it's worth, I played high school football and remember it as some of the best times and friends I ever had. I've known 2 attendings who played (FCS/D2) college ball and expressed similar sentiments, along with multiple med school classmates and now co-residents. None of us plan on allowing our kids to play football. I have similar reservations about hockey and cheerleading too.
People get concussions in soccer, basketball, and many other sports. Football is a lot more than just hitting people, and this suggestion infers that you haven't been around the inner workings of the sport much. Even as a neurologist I'd want my son to play football if he'd like to. Some of the best times I've had and a lot of lessons that aren't found in a lot of other sports too. If your kid wants to play just take 'em to a local sports store like
Outdoor Sports Store | Sporting Goods | Outdoor Gear and get 'em decent gear. Nothing is more dangerous that shabby gear that won't give that much protection.