Head injuries in football have gained attention in recent years, largely due to the number of former NFL players diagnosed with chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) after their deaths. Hall of Famer Junior Seau, along with former NFL stars Andre Waters and Aaron Hernandez, all tragically died by suicide and were later found to have suffered from CTE, a severe brain injury that can be caused by multiple hits to the head. This condition leads to severe mental health issues and long-term loss of mental abilities. These cases of several star NFL players highlight the serious dangers within the sport of football and the urgent need for improved helmet safety and stronger concussion protocols for all levels of the game.

Recent studies support just how dangerous multiple head impacts are. In 2023, Dr. Ann McKee, a neurologist at Boston University, and her team published evidence in JAMA Neurology of CTE in 345 out of 376 former NFL players. Similarly, a report from the National Institutes of Health found that for every additional year a player spends playing football, their risk of developing long-term brain damage can be increased by around 15%. With these statistics, it is clear that the dangers within the game are not rare but are extremely common.

As someone who loves to watch and play football, I understand the passion one may have for the sport. But I also know through experience the toll head injuries like concussions can have on oneself. Having multiple concussions myself, I’ve experienced how it can affect memory, focus, and mental health immediately after injury. That is why I believe there should be stronger awareness, improved safety rules and equipment, and further research into better helmet protection. Protecting players from the youth to the NFL is about keeping those who love the game safe and building a better future.