Football is the nation’s game. There is something deeply American about sitting down on the couch on a brisk Sunday afternoon and watching two teams fight tooth and nail for victory. The crowd roars for hard hits, improbable catches and gasps at grisly injuries. However, once the player’s glory years are over, they are left with irrevocable damage, which manifests as Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE).
CTE is caused by repeated head trauma. These hard hits lead to nerve cell loss in the brain, which contributes to behavioral problems, memory issues and overall decreased mental function. This condition has been linked to several serious diseases, including dementia, depression, Parkinson’s disease and Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
Out of 376 NFL players whose brains have been autopsied, 345 of them have had CTE (most stage 3 or 4, the most severe). Startlingly, ⅓ of current NFL players self-reported CTE symptoms.
Due to this pressing concern, questions have been raised about the ethical implications of America’s game. The NFL has been loath to make changes. This year they allowed guardian caps (a semi-protective head covering), and in the last 10 years, increased concussion protocols. Still, some advocates believe that these measures are not sufficient.
Many former players are left debilitated and unable to function normally, due to exerting themselves through their injury. Some have cited the toxic “rub some dirt on it” culture associated with football, which contributes to more severe injury. Some players, such as Tua Tagovailoa of the Miami Dolphins, who has suffered three serious concussions in three years, refuses to retire, and there is no concussion limit for continued play.
Some players have been outspoken advocates for CTE prevention, calling out the NFL for their poor response and suing the league for physical damages. Families of deceased players claim that CTE was a key factor in their deterioration and eventual death. These parties have both settled, with the NFL not admitting responsibility.
CTE is not limited to professional athletes, as anyone with chronic concussions can be affected with this affliction. High school soccer, football, and lacrosse players are all participants in intense contact sports, and have been found with CTE.
However, there are many steps you can take to protect yourself and still enjoy your sport.
These steps include avoiding hard, dangerous collisions with other athletes, wearing the right protective equipment for your sport and following concussion protocol and recovery time recommendations.
With these precautions, you can mitigate your risk of CTE. More awareness should be spread about the dangers of repeated concussions and the importance of prioritizing brain health.
