The term “Concussiongate” has been thrown around every now and then over the last few years as various head injury-related news stories have come and gone. It saw another revival Sunday when New England’s Julian Edelman stayed on the field during the Super Bowl after a helmet-to-helmet hit.
To be fair, “Concussiongate” might be a bit of a misnomer, as whether or not there was any actual concussion is in question. Reportedly, Edelman did undergo the NFL’s protocols and was cleared for play. And if he didn’t actually have a concussion, then great. We’re happy he wasn’t injured.
But it was some time later before he could have had the chance to know that for sure because he didn’t leave the field immediately. The collective cringe of millions of viewers as they watched the hit and the brief wonderings whether he would be taken out of the game were ended with sighs of relief from Patriot fans when the camera cut to the huddle and Edelman was with his teammates.
And that’s the real issue: he wasn’t pulled, even when he was slow to return to his feet after subsequent plays (one of the symptoms specifically mentioned in the NFL protocols for getting a player checked out).
Pointing this out may seem repetitive. We’ve said all this before: same song, different verse. But while it was not the first such occurrence this season, it was the last and by far the most high-profile. The players, the NFL, and the fans can’t keep looking the other way when it’s convenient. Hopefully, next season will see more concern for players’ heads, and we’ll be able to retire the song for good.
*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.
