Super Bowl Sunday will mark not only the end of another interesting and unusual season, but will cap off a year in which the NFL was put on the spot to answer tough questions about head injuries. The once hidden condition by the NFL, traumatic brain injuries (TBI) became the subject of Congressional hearings a few months ago.
In October 2009, a study commissioned by the NFL released findings that indicate retired players, especially between the ages of 30 and 49, have diagnoses of Alzheimer’s Disease and dementia in numbers far greater than the general public. On the heels of those reports, Congress announced it would hold hearings on the subject.
In a survey conducted by The Associated Press in November, 30 of the 160 NFL players admitted to hiding or downplaying concussions and other head injuries during the course of play. Colts’ QB, Peyton Manning, said this week that he was “very aware of the players of yesteryear who are struggling physically, mentally, so it’s a very serious deal. I think current players are realizing just how serious.” Co-chairs of the league’s committee on oversight of head injuries resigned in November as a result of the hearings and subsequent criticism.
The NFL and its Players Association agreed to some immediate changes that went into effect in December. Players injured in a game displaying symptoms of concussion (e.g., dizziness, blurred vision, gaps in memory, headache) are no longer allowed to return to play in that same game.
In January 2010, the Mackey-White Brain Injury Committee, organized by the NFL Players Association, convened with participation by professional athletes, current and former NFL players, doctors and researchers. Named after two Hall of Famers, John Mackey, who suffers from Alzheimer’s Disease, and Reggie White, who died at age 43 shortly after retiring from the league. The committee intends to open dialogue on the matter of TBI and the NFL, inviting varied levels of participation with the purpose of educating professional athletes to self-report more dependably, and not succumb to pressure to “shake off” a head injury. The committee also hopes to spread the word to the general public to help alter fan expectations that a player will continue in the game despite a head injury. Committee members also said that parents and coaches of children and teens need to pay attention to the number of hits players take, as studies point to an accumulation of smaller hits over time as a major factor in possible diagnoses of dementia in later life. With the spotlight on the NFL this season, high school and college sports directors are under pressure, too, to review guidelines for players injured during play. As an early result of the focus on this issue, some former and current players have already agreed to donate their brains and spinal cords for further research upon their deaths.
Denver Broncos’ receiver Eddie Royal missed the crucial game against the Kansas City Chiefs in December 2009 due to a head/neck injury. The Broncos did not make playoffs this season. Former Bronco, Haven Moses who retired in 1981, suffered a stroke in 2003. He has made consistent strides in his recovery and does outreach work for Denver Health and Littleton Adventist hospitals. He also appears at various events in support of the stroke program at Easter Seals Colorado. Reports of studies on head injuries have not included details regarding incidences of stroke affecting former NFL players.
The Colorado Neurological Institute (CNI), a nonprofit and collaborative network of world-class physicians and neurological specialists located in metro Denver, lists guidelines for determining sports-related head injuries, including symptoms for concussion. CNI is recognized by Neurosource as a Neuroscience Center of Excellence.
Denver is also home to Broncos Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation Centers located throughout the metro area, specializing in physical and occupational therapy, with a specialty in hand therapy and rehabilitation.
Super Bowl XLIV features New Orleans Saints vs. Indianapolis Colts with kick off at 6:25 ET on Sunday, February 7, 2010 and will be aired on CBS.
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