Some football players consider concussions to be part of the game, much like sprains, strains, and other common football injuries. When the San Francisco 49ers benefitted from a collision that sent New Orleans Saints running back Pierre Thomas out with a concussion, its players characterized the hit as an effective way to send a message. However, when an opposing team reportedly targeted a 49er wide receiver with a history of concussions, the perspective of the local media changed.
While some players are willing to hide their concussions, such decisions bear long-term consequences, as seen in the numerous complaints recently filed by retired NFL players.
- Wooden v. National Football League
- Wallace v. National Football League
- Solt v. National Football League
- Glover v. National Football League
- Johnson v. National Football League
- Austin v. National Football League
- Boyd v. National Football League
- Dronett v. National Football League
- Rucker v. National Football League
- Jones v. National Football League
- Kuykendall v. National Football League
- Levens v. National Football Leagues
- Lewis v. National Football League
- Stewart V. National Football League
- Jacobs v. National Football League
In the complaints, the players alleged that the NFL was aware of “the risks of permanent brain damage from repetitive concussions,” but chose to ignore and conceal them from the players. Such traumatic brain injuries can cause “severe cognitive problems such as depression and early-onset dementia” as well as Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE), which is associated with “memory loss, confusion, impaired judgment, paranoia, impulse-control problems, aggression, depression, and eventually progressive dementia.”
Repeated concussion can not only shorten player careers, but also lives. We should keep this in mind when we are watching the Super Bowl next week and cheering after a big defensive hit.
