Two Ex-Jets Have Moved On, but Concussion Effects Linger
November 20, 2011
By: William C. Rhoden
This article talks about two former Jets players that were forced to retire because of the number and severity of the concussions that they sustained. They live their lives now with families and other jobs but still experience some post-concussion symptoms. However they don't want to talk of how serious they are or how often they experience them. One of the guys has two children that are playing flag football right now and knowing the risks of the sport makes it hard for him to allow his children to play. Neither of the guys would change anything and happy to have played.
Hopefully this article shows coaches, athletes and parents just how serious concussions are. It is very important to monitor the athlete and have them inform the athletic trainer of any changes they notice. As athletic trainers, we need to encourage coaches to make sure they are teaching proper tackling techniques and doing as much as they can to prevent and educate on concussions. From the article, the guys talk about how equipment may not be able to handle the hits that are coming from the players nowadays because they are getting faster and stronger. Would improving the equipment help prevent concussions or just give the athletes the feeling that they can hit harder?
Interesting article. I also think that concussions in sports is an extremely important topic that needs more research. Athletes that sustain concussions should be fully free of symptoms before returning to play. Often times players downplay their symptoms so they can play. Medical professionals must make sure they are ready to play or the concussion can get worse. Post concussion syndrome is another serious matter that I believe needs more research on why it happens and how to prevent/cure it.
ReplyDeleteFootball is a brutal sport and unfortunately there will always be individuals like this as long as the sport is around. With that being said, it is remarkable the advances the sport has made in the past 10-15 years about head injuries and the techniques they are teaching kids. Knowing the way I played my whole life, with reckless abandonment (as many others do) I am very fortunate that I did not suffer a football-related concussion (I think). As I said there have been remarkable advances in the sport with technology, and rule changes to help athletes. Only time will tell that if these advances will lower the number of individuals that deal with post-concussion symptoms when they are done playing.
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