In the world of American football, player safety is always a top priority. The National Football League (NFL) has made significant strides in recent years to address the issue of concussions on the field. Since implementing its game-day concussion protocol in 2011, the league has taken various measures to reduce the number of head injuries suffered by players. Rule changes were put in place to penalize hits to the head, position-specific helmets were introduced, and most recently, players have been allowed to wear Guardian Caps during games.
Despite these efforts, the number of concussions in the NFL saw a slight increase last season. When a player is suspected of having a concussion, the league has a strict protocol that must be followed before that player can return to play.
So, what exactly happens when a player appears to have suffered a head injury? Players will be immediately removed from the game and evaluated if they exhibit any symptoms of a concussion, such as dizziness, nausea, and sensitivity to light and sound. If a player shows any of the “no-go” symptoms, they are immediately taken out of the game and will not be allowed to return.
These “no-go” symptoms were updated after Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa suffered a concussion in a game against the Cincinnati Bengals in 2022. The league’s medical staff will then proceed to ask the player about the potential injury and continue to monitor for any other signs of a concussion. The player will also be asked “Maddocks’ questions” to test their cognitive function, such as identifying the venue and the teams playing. Additionally, an unaffiliated neurotrauma consultant will review video footage of the injury.
But what exactly are the symptoms that the medical staff is looking for? Once a player is sidelined under the NFL’s protocol, they must complete a rigorous return-to-participation program, which consists of five phases.
In Phase 2, players will engage in aerobic exercise under the supervision of team staff. This may include cardiovascular exercise on a stationary bike or treadmill, as well as stretching and balance training. In Phase 3, players progress to football-specific exercises, continuing with supervised cardiovascular workouts and incorporating sport-specific activities and strength training.
