Tag Archives: player safety

Commissioner Roger Goodell’s speech at Harvard University made several things clear to the media and  public. The number of concussions is not necessarily linked to the fact that some players are playing short weeks with the addition of Thursday night games. No research data exists to support that theory yet. A number of other factors need to be taken into account.

First, Commissioner Goodell stated that the need for better physical equipment is at the top of his priority list. Given that most of this week's concussions were suffered by quarterbacks, perhaps the equipment (specifically, the helmet) is less effective for that position. As a result, he is proposing an equipment change for different position players to wear different helmets. This would prevent the players who are the most vulnerable from sustaining the most damaging hits.

Next, the commissioner wants to move forward research in new protective technology for players in all positions. Players and fans alike want each player to have a long and productive career, and the current state of the game puts this goal in jeopardy.

The commissioner even believes that the way the game is played is perhaps hindering the game. Although we are used to seeing harder hits and a faster pace, Goodell is not convinced this is the best thing for the game. According to him, the “all out mentality” of NFL players is partially responsible for the rough hits being made in football today. It is clear that something has to change, whether it is the way the game is played, or, more likely, players' equipment.

*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^TM 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.

Following the numerous injuries this past week in pro football, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell decided that it was important to address the growing concerns of concussions in football publicly. The total impact of concussions is still not fully understood, but a variety of negative correlations between concussions and the appearance of mental health problems later in life have been identified.

Commissioner Goodell is speaking at Harvard University today at 3:00 p.m. EST to address the growing number of injuries and the need for change in the game. This speech is definitely long overdue, as the speed of the game and the velocity of football tackles have been increasing steadily for a number of years now. The speech carries great importance and will undoubtedly result in increased scrutiny on all levels.

Some of the issues at hand are the length of time required for players to come back from concussions and the concussion testing criteria for medical staff on the sidelines. Also, the decisions made for the player, medically speaking, are of paramount importance right after a potential concussion. Additionally, expect a large fine increase for players who are deemed to have maliciously caused concussions. This will hopefully make players refrain from initiating vicious hits on other players.

*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^TM 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.