An NFL quarterback self-reported concussion symptoms last week during a game, sending a clear message that head injuries cannot be taken lightly, even by athletes playing at the highest level of the game.

The Steelers’ Ben Roethlisberger, who has in the past been known to continue playing after some questionable hits, left the game against the Seahawks on Sunday after a helmet-to-helmet collision. He was later diagnosed with a concussion. He didn’t report his concerns immediately, instead choosing to finish out the drive, and many are wondering, fairly, why nothing was done before he took himself out.

But his choice to tell the team trainers about his symptoms and undergo the NFL’s concussion protocol was a concrete indicator of a culture change within the NFL. A decade ago, he would have been encouraged to play through and seen as weak for raising his concerns. The fact that he made the decision to pull himself out and seek medical attention speaks volumes of the shift in thinking about head injuries.

Of course, there is still progress to be made; he did finish the drive after all. But Roethlisberger’s self-reporting his symptoms is both a sign of growth in the NFL and a tremendous message to young football players that concussions should always be taken seriously.

*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.