Concussions in Football: Balancing Passion with Safety

Living rooms across America transform into miniature stadiums each Sunday as families gather to cheer their beloved football teams. The electrifying plays, the camaraderie, and the sheer thrill of witnessing your team clinch victory are integral parts of this cherished experience. However, beneath the surface of this celebrated sport lies a significant danger that often goes unnoticed: concussions. A concussion is defined as a common form of traumatic brain injury resulting from blunt force trauma to the head (Flynn 2). In the high-impact world of football, collisions occur during every play, and concussions can result from a single severe impact or from numerous smaller hits to the head over time.

The Silent Threat of Concussions

Historically, players and coaches have downplayed the true effects of concussions on the human brain. Some even speculate that this beloved sport might face extinction due to its associated severe injuries and long-term consequences. However, dismissing football entirely may be premature. Significant strides have been made in implementing new regulations to enhance safety and improve protective measures across the sport in America. While some players and team owners continue to disregard the gravity of concussions, critics of the NFL advocate for the game's elimination. Nevertheless, officials are actively creating new rules and emphasizing the importance of concussion prevention. Consequently, football fans and players must acknowledge the real consequences of concussions to enforce safety measures and ensure the continued presence of this iconic American pastime.

Rising Awareness and the Impact of CTE

In the past, concussions were not a major concern, as they were often brushed off, allowing players to continue playing despite the risks. This was largely due to a lack of technology and research to substantiate the severe damage that could occur in the brain. Players were considered fine as long as they could walk and perform their duties. There were no visible signs like a snap, a break, or any observable injury when a player suffered from a concussion. This was often enough for medical staff or coaches eager to keep their players on the field. However, the true consequences became apparent when studies examined the brains of former NFL players. Many exhibited aggressive and abnormal behaviors later in life, with their brains showing signs of chronic traumatic encephalopathy, or CTE. CTE is a degenerative brain disease that results in abnormal behaviors (Roush). Unlike a concussion, CTE is the long-term effect of having one or multiple concussions. Acknowledging and diagnosing concussions promptly is vital to reducing the likelihood of current football players developing CTE later in life. With advancements in technology and techniques to assess concussions, both players and coaches must accept the reality of concussions to protect themselves and future generations of athletes.

The Debate Over Football's Future

A significant number of people argue that the risks associated with concussions outweigh the love for football, suggesting that it should be abolished, not just at the professional level but also in high school and youth leagues. High school football, in particular, lacks the technology to diagnose concussions effectively, allowing players to "get away" with potential injuries due to the absence of consistent medical supervision. Recently, high schools have begun implementing concussion protocols to test players who might have concussions. However, a study revealed that “37 percent of high school football players surveyed experienced concussion symptoms, but only 10% actually reported and were examined for it” (Boriboon 20). The risk of being benched poses a dilemma for players, as the culture of winning and the importance of being on the field often take precedence. Players must balance their desire to protect their health with the fear of a season-ending diagnosis. With so many undiagnosed concussions, football fans, including numerous parents, advocate for shutting down the game entirely as a safer option. Ultimately, no matter how vital a player may be to their team, long-term health and safety should take precedence over the potentially fatal effects of an unreported concussion.

Challenges in Concussion Protocol

Today, players diagnosed with concussions must undergo a series of procedures, tests, and protocols before being cleared to play again. However, some players attempt to circumvent these measures to return to the field faster. This can lead to dire consequences, sometimes even fatal ones. When a player returns to play too soon after a concussion, they risk second-impact syndrome (Edwards 129). During this vulnerable period, the brain is susceptible to further injury, and premature return can be detrimental. Critics cite this as another reason to abolish the game, as players may never slow down their eagerness to get back on the field. The desire to be on the football field is significant for athletes, and they may feel they are letting themselves and their team down by not participating. Consequently, players often rush their recovery, increasing their risk for further injury.

The Physical Nature of Football

From a visual standpoint, football is undeniably a physical sport. Violent contact occurs in every play, during both practices and games. Parents have valid reasons for not wanting their children to play tackle football: it is undeniably dangerous. On average, a football player receives between 900 to 1500 blows to the head during a season (Boriboon 24). The brain can only endure so many impacts before it becomes compromised. It is a common misconception that a concussion only results from a single, substantial hit to the head. However, the accumulation of hundreds of hits over a season can inflict similar damage. The fear of young children playing football is valid, given the dangerous risks concussions pose to their developing brains.

Long-Term Implications for Young Athletes

The risk of developing a concussion is significantly higher in children compared to adults because children's brains are still developing. A concussion at a young age can expose young athletes to long-term risks like CTE. There is also a potential for emotional struggles and impaired brain function. According to a study published by the New York Times, former football players who participated in youth football before the age of twelve had a higher risk of behavioral regulation problems and clinically elevated depression scores (Belson). This study involved a sample of 214 former football players, with an average age of fifty-one. Such statistics reinforce parents' belief that football carries too many risks for too few rewards. Parents understandably wish to avoid exposing their children to these potential aftereffects and thus choose not to introduce them to the sport.

The Issue of Intentional Violence

Another growing concern is the intentional violence that occurs during football games. It happens more frequently than it should, where players intentionally aim to harm others or exert more force than necessary. Additionally, increased safety measures have become excuses for players to believe they can hit each other harder. Former NFL player Sats Maliszewski admitted that “because there is more protection in football, players feel like they can be more violent without more consequences. The more a player feels secure,” he added, “the more he’ll deliver hard blows” (Casciola 52). However, this is not the case, as players are at greater risk due to the greater force being exerted, primarily on their heads and brains. This negative behavior among players poses a significant challenge for football and is a factor that drives parents away from the sport.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while football remains a beloved and culturally significant sport in America, the dangers of concussions present a challenge that cannot be ignored. Significant progress has been made in terms of safety measures, technological advancements, and awareness, but there is still much work to be done. By acknowledging the risks and implementing comprehensive safety protocols, the sport can evolve to prioritize the health and well-being of its players. Only by accepting the true consequences of concussions and taking proactive steps can we ensure that football continues to be a cherished part of American culture while safeguarding the future of its participants.

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