Concussions and the health risks involved in football have been a huge topic within the NFL. In 2015, a biographical sports drama set in 2002 titled, Concussion, was released. The film focused on Dr. Bennet Omalu’s efforts to research chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), the brain damaged suffered by professional football players. The film reignited the concussion conversation. Several discussions have taken place regarding the dangers of America’s Favorite Sport. Football players, past and present, have weighed in on the topic. Most recently, New England Patriots quarterback, Tom Brady shared his thoughts with ABC News.
“I think there’s been more awareness from the general media on what CTE is, how it affects you, the long term ramifications of it,” Brady said. “I think as an athlete, you have to take all those things into consideration and try to be as proactive as you can. Gain information, then go through the proper protocols if you do get a concussion.”
“It’s just a part of life, you know, not only football, but contact sports,” the quarterback continued. “It’s part of people walking down the street. You run, you fall, you hit your head. There’s a lot of sports that are involved, but I think it’s good there’s more awareness than there’s been in the past.”
Brady went on to list several sports, where risks of concussions may exist. Some examples weaker than others, he explains that the treatment for a head injury is the most important part. He wants players to be treated correctly so that there are no long-term effects of a concussion.
