Concussions In The NFL

Concussions have been plagued NFL players during their careers and are now starting to affect them, even after they are done playing. The lasting effects of a concussion range from cognitive, to physical, as well as emotional symptoms. As a cause of these many concussions popping up in the league, many rules have changed and are making some aspects of the game illegal in terms of hitting. Even lining up in a certain position is not allowed, this is simply for the safety of the players. Getting a physical therapist on staff at all times to help athletes is required in the NFL. Since concussions still happen, physical therapists and athletic trainers still must find a way to help athletes deal with the injury. A plan must be developed to cope and manage a head injury. Concussions have had a tendency to cause lasting effects and this led the NFL to change the rules of the game as well as helped to develop plans to help manage the injury. The effects of a concussion when it happens are bad enough right? Well in this case, even players that have already retired are still having problems from their head injury. The studies at

The National Football League has even changed some rules to prevent head injuries. They have paid extra attention in keeping players who cannot defend themselves safe. This was shown the most in wide receivers in the seconds after they catch a ball. The officials will now grant the receiver an extra second to put themselves in a position to defend themselves. (Referee Walt Anderson) These rules also came into effect with any player losing his helmet during a play. If this is the case, the play is automatically ruled dead and will immediately move on to the next play. Another situation comes when kicking extra-point attempts or field goals. Lining up across from the center is no longer allowed, as they are considered defenseless