Is the NFL doing enough to protect athletes from head injuries?

Football is a high-impact sport. A player may take hundreds of hits over the course of their career, including some that cause concussions . Other impacts may seem minor at the time, but there are concerns that repeated head blows can negatively impact long-term brain health. Related stories CTE may stem from rampant inflammation and DNA damage Spinning egg

The top 3

  1. Helmet-to-Helmet Contact & Targeting Bans: Rules prohibiting helmet-to-helmet hits on defenseless players were introduced in 1999, building on earlier bans against spearing (tackling with the crown of the helmet) in 1979 and grasping the facemask in 1962. The 'Use of the Helmet' rule in 2018 further penalized players who lower their heads to initiate contact, aiming to reduce dangerous collisions.
  2. Evolving Concussion Protocols: The NFL established its first concussion protocol in 2011, later pushing for independent concussion experts on the sideline by the 2014-2015 season. These protocols mandate players exhibiting concussion signs, such as confusion or amnesia, be removed from play for evaluation, a significant improvement from previous practices.
  3. Kickoff Rule Modifications for Safety: Kickoffs have historically been high-risk plays for concussions due to high-speed collisions. The NFL has repeatedly modified kickoff rules, including a significant redesign in 2024 (made permanent in 2025) that alters player starting positions and limits running starts to reduce impact forces and increase returns, though the overall effect on concussions is still being evaluated.

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