As football’s biggest night of the year draws near, the spotlight on the NFL is burning brighter than at any other time. The Super Bowl draws scrutiny to every aspect of the league and the teams playing the game, including as it relates to head injuries.

And things are not looking good. A recent report indicated that NFL concussions rose 58 percent this season, adding up to the most concussions of the last four years.

On the heels of that admission came that sad news that former Oakland Raiders quarterback Ken Stabler had CTE before his death in July. He joins the overwhelming majority of NFL players who tested positive for CTE after their deaths (87 out of 91 as of September). Doctors said his brain’s atrophy was apparent even to the naked eye.

So as you enjoy the game on Sunday, don’t forget what’s at stake for the players and their brains, and don’t let the elevated excitement of Super Bowl 50 overcome concern for player safety.

And, because as a North Carolina company we can’t sign off without having said it, go Panthers! #KeepPounding

*Scientists have no conclusive evidence as to whether or how the reduction of g-forces during impacts reduces the number or degree of concussions and head injuries. GelDefender products provide supplemental padding as well as cooling and comfort benefits when used with helmets and caps. Participants in activities in which head impacts can occur should always use tested and approved helmets for protection. However, no helmet or supplemental padding can protect the user from all serious head or neck injuries that can result from impacts.