The long-term brain injuries football players experience has become a heated topic of discussion causing some parents to question whether they want their children to play at all.
Attempts to Reduce Football Injuries
Brett Favre is only the most recent whistleblower to call out the safety of football. From immediate risks to long-term brain injuries, more and more football players are coming forward to address the need for change in safety equipment.
Riddell Revolution Football Helmet Litigation
Varsity Spirit Corporation and Riddell Sports, Inc. found themselves in a heated legal battle regarding the concussion of a 17-year-old football player resulting in permanent brain damage. The suit claimed the player experienced a massive subdural hematoma suffered from a defective design.
The football coaches, parents and players all believed the Riddell Revolution Football Helmet added protection on the field; however, the front pad failed to effectively attenuate the energy of the hit.
New Designs Meant to Reduce Trauma
Football helmets have seen little improvement over the last 40 years; however, entrepreneurs, startups and even car companies are now in an arms race to find the solution to the game. New technology could reduce impact to the skull and brain traumas. Unfortunately, there is great debate between neuroscientists over what causes concussions. By bettering overall protection, we cannot guarantee we’ll diminish injuries on the field.
The No-Helmet Debate
Some experts are now recommending football remove helmets altogether. By removing helmets, the game would shift to a less violent sport. Players will be less likely to throw themselves into dangerous hits without the helmet. It’s natural human behavior.
Whether choosing a new helmet or no helmet in this debate, one thing is clear: there needs to be a change in the game of football.
