The National Football League (NFL) has been rocked recently by the devastating news of Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE). It’s one of those topics that can leave you feeling sad, angry and frustrated.
I remember watching my first NFL game with my Dad. It was nothing short of magical. Football was this heartwarming mix of game-day energy, family-inspired fun, and athleticism. But, this news of CTE has changed the way I look at the game altogether.
CTE is a deadly, degenerative brain disease that can only be diagnosed after death. Symptoms include memory loss, confusion, impaired judgment and eventually dementia. It’s caused by head trauma, and repeated blows to the head from playing contact sports have been linked to the long-term development of CTE.
A recent study found that 99 percent of donated brains from deceased NFL players tested positive for CTE, instantly making this connection between brain damage and contact sports seem concrete.
The NFL is implementing changes to lessen the dangers of CTE, such as reducing and outlawing helmet-to-helmet contact from players or eliminating tackling completely. But a lot of experts believe that fundamental changes to the game would be necessary to fully protect players.
It’s heartbreaking to think that playing a game could lead to such devastating health consequences later in life. It brings to mind that familiar saying, “The more things change, the more they stay the same.” No matter what changes the NFL makes to reduce the chances of CTE, it seems impossible to fully protect players from the devastating effects of this disease.
It’s upsetting to see the league’s efforts, as well as the futures of so many players, hindered by CTE. In an attempt to better protect the players, the league has implemented changes such as making helmets safer, limiting full-contact practice sessions, and enforcing new rules. But these changes may not be enough.
If anything can be taken away from this unsettling situation, it’s that proper safety measures should always be taken to ensure that athletes stay healthy and safe. But it’s an incredibly complex issue and many are still searching for the best solution.
I had the privilege of meeting one of my all-time favorite athletes, Lawrence Taylor. He was part of a legendary team yet his career was significantly affected by CTE. Seeing this man, once so full of life and energy, now reduced to a shadow of his former self due to CTE was devastating. It made me wonder if the game of NFL has become too dangerous and if the risk now outweighs the reward?
It’s clear that the NFL needs to make fundamental changes and re-evaluate its strategies for preventing CTE. Unfortunately, there may never be a foolproof way to protect all athletes from head trauma.
The changes that the NFL has implemented have, at least, shifted the conversation and increased awareness around CTE. Players are becoming more aware of the inherent risks of playing contact sports and the long-term potential repercussions. Concussion protocols, baseline testing, more instruction on safe-tackle techniques, and better-designed equipment has also been implemented.
These are all positive steps, but more needs to be done. I know there are experts out there who can continue to search for solutions and I hope the NFL will be open to listening and taking everyone’s input into consideration.
The research and dedication of the NFL’s medical team to CTE and long-term player safety is remarkable. It’s important that they continue to look for new and innovative ways to better protect their players – from all angles. That means investing in brain research, training medical staff, and doing whatever necessary to make sure that players walk away from the game safely.
It’s an unpalatable truth that CTE is a growing problem in the NFL. But there is hope. The NFL is actively addressing the issue with the hope that one day the league will be able to truly protect all of its players. Until then, I’ll be hoping and cheering with my fingers crossed.