A Game of Hard Knocks: Football's Culture of Concussion

Frostburg State University football player Derek Sheely died two weeks ago following severe head trauma suffered during a routine preseason practice. He had no documented history of concussions. He did not even lose consciousness following whatever blow or series of blows that led to his death. While fatalities as a direct result of on-field injury are rare, this tragedy is just the latest reminder of the degree to which concussions and their resulting effects loom over the sport of football, and it is an issue that cannot be adequately addressed until the competitive culture of the sport undergoes significant reform from the bottom up.

Just how prevalent is head trauma in football? A study published by the Journal of Athletic Trainingteenagers are more susceptible to brain bleeds and swelling as a result of multiple hits to the head.

While the change must happen from the bottom up, the NFL, along with government support, must set the example for the lower tiers of competition to follow. Some 21 states currently have strict concussion laws for student-athletes, but the work to this point is far from adequate.

Football is an inherently violent game. Concussions have been, and will always be, a part of the game. The culture that enables much of their acute, long-term complications need not be.