The Year in NFL Concussions: So Far

   One of my most favorite things to do is sit on the couch and watch football all sunday afternoon. I am also really big into Fantasy Football. I am constantly flipping from game to game checking out how my team (and my opponent's team) is doing. From Noon to Midnight, I am watching football. Even when I am away the TV (either studying or working), I get text and video updates sent to my phone. I am clearly obsessed.
  
   Each week as I sit glued to the TV with some chips and the occassional brew, I  can't help but notice how many players are leaving the game with concussions each week. Now I know football is a "gladiator sport", but it just seems that this year more than any other, there are more concussions. I have noticed it, my friends have noticed it, and even the NFL noticed. Concussions used to be considered  "minor" injuries in the NFL because a player may only miss 1-2 weeks tops. NOw, with all the research being done on the short and long term effects of blows to the head, it is no longer looked upon in that way. The NFL has gone as far as changing the rules on how and when a defensive player can hit an offensive player. The evidence is overwhelming on the effects of concussions. If you click on this website, you will see a few of the effects that these players have endured in the past : Sport's Concussions . I have used this website in the past because it does a really nice job of presenting ideas (in this case the effects of concussions) in list form.

   As a side note, through 6 weeks in the NFL, there is estimated to have already been 46 concussions. That is a scary and oftly high number. If you haven't gotten a chance to watch much football this year, here is a video of some of the more violent concussions thus far this year.

Concussions Thus Far



Ryan C.