Football is one of Americaโs most exciting and physically demanding sports, but it also comes with significant risks. Among the most serious are concussions, which can lead to long-term brain damage, memory issues, depression, and even chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). According to the NFL, there were 219 reported concussions during the 2023 season, highlighting the ongoing concern for player safety. To address these risks, the NFL created its concussion protocol, a set of standardized steps designed to protect players from rushing back to the field too soon.
While the NFL concussion protocol is a step forward, critics argue that it doesnโt go far enough and that teams often prioritize performance over player safety. Thatโs where legal protection becomes essential. An experienced NFL concussion lawyer can help players seek compensation and ensure their rights are protected when they suffer lasting harm.
NFL Concussion Protocol
The NFL concussion protocol is a medical framework introduced in 2009 and revised multiple times since. Its purpose is to identify, evaluate, and manage concussions that occur during practices and games. The goal is to ensure that no player returns to the field until it is safe to do so.
This protocol has become more structured over the years, partly in response to lawsuits from former players who experienced lifelong injuries due to repeated head trauma. Despite improvements, many argue that the system still favors the leagueโs image over true player protection.
Key Rules of the NFL Concussion Protocol
The protocol is based on medical science and includes strict rules:
- Immediate removal: Any player suspected of having a concussion must be removed from play immediately.
- Independent evaluation: Neurological experts not affiliated with the team must conduct the assessments.
- No same-day return: Once diagnosed, a player cannot return to play the same day.
- Stepwise recovery: Players must pass through all recovery stages before being cleared.
- Independent clearance: Final approval must come from both team doctors and independent neurological consultants.
These rules are meant to protect athletes, but enforcement has sometimes been inconsistent, raising questions about how seriously the NFL prioritizes health.
History of the NFL Concussion Protocol
The NFLโs approach to concussions has a controversial history. For decades, the league downplayed the risks of repeated head trauma, insisting that concussions were minor injuries. This began to change in the early 2000s, when independent researchers linked football-related head injuries to long-term brain damage and CTE.
In 2009, after mounting lawsuits and growing public scrutiny, the NFL introduced its first formal concussion protocol. This marked the first time the league officially acknowledged the dangers of concussions and established clear rules for player evaluation. Since then, the protocol has been updated multiple times, in 2011, 2013, 2016, and most recently in 2022. These changes came largely in response to legal pressure from playersโunderscoring why having an NFL concussion lawyer in Texas can be vital for affected athletes.
The history of the protocol reveals an important truth: progress has often come only after legal and medical pressure, not voluntary action from the league.
The 5 Steps of the NFL Concussion Protocol
Every player diagnosed with a concussion must pass through these five stages before returning to play:
- Rest and Recovery: Players stop physical activity and focus on symptom management, such as rest and light medical care.
- Light Aerobic Exercise: Gentle cardio activities are introduced to test tolerance without contact.
- Sport-Specific Exercise: Players engage in football-related drills without risk of head contact.
- Non-Contact Training Drills: Intense drills and resistance training resume, but still no head contact.
- Full Football Activity: Once fully cleared, the player returns to normal practice and gameplay.
If symptoms return at any step, the player must restart the process from the previous stage. This gradual approach is designed to prevent long-term damage.
Why Concussions Are So Dangerous
A concussion is more than just a โbump on the head.โ Itโs a traumatic brain injury that disrupts normal brain function. Repeated concussions, or poorly managed ones, can lead to:
- Long-term memory loss and confusion
- Mood disorders such as depression and anxiety
- Difficulty concentrating or working after retirement
- Increased risk of Alzheimerโs and CTE
For NFL players whose careers already involve physical stress, these dangers are life-altering. The NFL concussion protocol exists to reduce these risks, but once damage is done, no rulebook can reverse it.
Has the NFL Failed to Protect Players?
Despite implementing a protocol, the NFL has faced harsh criticism for its handling of concussions. Many retired players argue that the league downplayed risks for decades, leaving them unprepared for the long-term consequences. Some have joined class-action lawsuits, claiming that the NFL prioritized profits and entertainment over player safety.
Cases like these show that while the NFL concussion protocol looks good on paper, the real issue lies in enforcement and accountability. Players often feel pressure to return quickly, and teams may overlook warning signs to keep their best athletes on the field.
Legal Rights for NFL Players With Concussions
NFL players suffering from concussions or traumatic brain injuries have legal options. With the support of an experienced NFL concussion lawyer, you can:
- File claims for medical expenses, lost income, and long-term care.
- Hold the NFL accountable for failing to protect players.
- Seek compensation for emotional distress and reduced quality of life.
- Join lawsuits or settlements already filed by former players.
Without legal representation, many athletes risk being left without the financial and medical support they desperately need.
NFL Concussion Protocol in Texas: Why It Matters Locally
Texas is a football powerhouse, producing NFL players and hosting one of the leagueโs most iconic teams, the Dallas Cowboys. For athletes in Texas, the risks of concussions are especially significant given the stateโs football culture.
If youโre a current or former player in Texas dealing with concussion-related injuries, knowing your rights is essential. An NFL concussion lawyer in Texas can provide guidance tailored to state laws and help you navigate both NFL policies and legal remedies.
Why You Need an NFL Concussion Lawyer in Texas
Taking on the NFL is no small challenge. The league has deep pockets and a powerful legal team, but that doesnโt mean players are powerless. With a skilled Texas concussion lawyer, you can:
- Challenge the NFLโs history of negligence regarding head injuries.
- Secure full compensation for ongoing medical and living expenses.
- Build a strong case using medical evidence and expert testimony.
- Focus on recovery while your lawyer handles the fight.
At Mokaram Injury Lawyers, weโve built a reputation for fighting relentlessly on behalf of injured athletes. Our mission is to give players a voice and ensure they receive every dollar theyโre owed.
Protecting Players Beyond the Protocol
The NFL concussion protocol is designed to safeguard athletes, but rules alone cannot erase the devastating effects of head injuries. If you or a loved one is suffering due to the NFLโs failure to protect its players, legal action may be the only path to justice.
At Mokaram Injury Lawyers, weโre relentless in representing NFL players whoโve endured concussions and traumatic brain injuries. We understand the toll these injuries takeโnot just financially, but emotionally and physically. Our team is here to secure the resources you need to rebuild your life.
Contact us today at 281-222-2222 to speak with an NFL concussion lawyer in Texas. Together, we can hold the NFL accountable and fight for the justice and compensation you rightfully deserve.
