There's no denial of the popularity of the NFL in America. So far, this postseason has provided networks with sky-high ratings that can only be topped by America's unofficial holiday, the Super Bowl. Last Sunday's AFC championship game was viewed by 51.3 million Americans, while the NFC game was viewed by 55.9 million. From the outset, the NFL has never looked better. But behind all that success, a cancer has been growing inside the NFL, one that has left the league fighting for its future: CTE.
CTE, or Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy, is a crippling disease caused by frequent trauma to the head. Recent developments have shed light on the long-term dangers associated with concussion, a symptom largely shrugged off by fans before when research on this topic was scarce. Now, football is synonymous with CTE, and the ramifications of the disease are already being felt by those who love the game the most.
Former NFL stars, like Tony Dorsett, a Hall-of-Famer, have recently been diagnosed with CTE. Previously, scientists were unable to determine whether a subject had CTE until after the subject's death. New advancements in testing have allowed researchers to examine living subjects and detect any traces of the disease. Those struggling with the disease, like Dorsett, must battle symptoms like memory loss, depression and dementia for the rest of their lives.
The NFL was recently involved in a lawsuit that would provide monetary support for former players afflicted by CTE. The suit originally ended in a settlement of $760 million, but was later denied by a judge. She claimed that the settlement was not enough to fit the large number of NFL players that have been, and will be, inflicted with long-term effects resulting from head trauma.
Concussion stats this year, however, do show an improvement over last season. In 2012, there was a staggering 171 concussions throughout the season, whereas 2013 had 152. Despite the improved numbers, the game's image continues to decline. Pop Warner youth football has seen a sharp drop in attendance since 2010.
More and more parents are questioning the safety of the game and are steering their children away from it. Even President Obama weighed it on the controversy, stating that, if he had a son, he wouldn't let him participate in football. As worries of long-term damage caused by head trauma continue to increase, the NFL's future looks uncertain at best.
The NFL has poured much of its resources into discovering new preventative measures. The league plans to install accelerometers into players' helmets to warn team doctors when a hit might result in a concussion. In addition, future helmet designs are said to absorb more force, protecting the head from possible trauma.
With advanced helmet designs, there is hope for those who want to pursue a career in the NFL. Yet, questions still remain. Is all of this enough? Can the problem ever truly be resolved? Or, will CTE ruin the future of the NFL?
As fans leave MetLife Stadium after Super Bowl XLVIII, these questions won't be far behind.
© 2017 Jobs & Hire All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
