The recent injury of Damar Hamlin resulting in his heart stopping during a broadcasted game has raised many questions about the safety of the NFL. On January 2nd, 2023, millions of Americans sat on their sofas intending to watch a tense game of football; instead, they saw Damar Hamlin make a tackle and ultimately become unresponsive. Watching this event play out live incited much emotion in Americans and caused an uproar. Hamlin is not the first to face serious physical damage in the NFL; events like his have happened on several occasions over decades. 

Due to injuries being played off and swept under the rug, the NFL has had to deal with legal action against it. In 2013, the NFL reached a $765 million settlement over concussion-related brain injuries among its 18,000 retired players, agreeing to pay for medical exams, compensate victims, and underwrite research.  Along with this, in 2013 over 4,500 former athletes documented dementia, depression, and Alzheimer's; these athletes all stated their conditions were a result of head injury, specifically concussions, during the game. Many of the players stated that they felt they were rushed back onto the field while suffering from their injuries. The NFL denied all allegations but decided to pay the men in question. A settlement was made: according to lawyer Christopher Seegar, individual awards would be capped at $5 million for men with Alzheimer's disease, $4 million for those diagnosed after their deaths with a brain condition called chronic traumatic encephalopathy, and $3 million for players with dementia. But does the money make up for the life loss? Does money make up for the continued mistreatment? Does money make up for the men who have taken their lives following their injuries in the NFL? It does not, but it does take away public access to most records of the injuries and experiences of injured players in the NFL. 

Although money does not change the past, it can change the future. The NFL has reportedly taken several steps to better protect its players and prevent injuries. One step they have taken is to inform players about concussions and injury prevention techniques. Along with this, the NFL has greatly focused on helmet advancements to better protect players from brain injuries. According to the NFL, the players' helmets go through annual biochemical laboratory testing. During these tests, the biochemical engineers evaluate which helmets best reduce injuries. Lastly, the NFL has implemented rule changes. The NFL states that these rule changes include “defenseless player protection during kickoff and emphasizing certain illegal techniques from line play, such as using the helmet as part of a bull rush, or any block by an offensive lineman that involves initiating contact with the helmet—the NFL is leveraging data in an effort to improve player safety and evolve the game.” These are the three more recently implemented procedures in the NFL to prevent injury. According to the NFL, these changes have greatly impacted the number of injuries that occur on the field. 

Although the NFL is acknowledging the damage it has done to ex-players' lives, particularly regarding injuries, more change still needs to be made. In 2021, there were reportedly 45 more injuries (MCL, ACL, and concussions) during the season than the previous year. There were 387 injuries during the 2021 season and that is just including MCL, ACL, and concussion injuries. Although signing a contract for the NFL means there is a risk of injury, the risk should not be this high. A little over 50 years ago, the Detroit Lions wide receiver,  Chuck Hughes, died on the field. Hughes died from a heart attack caused by blood clots after facing a hit. It has been decades and we still see players having heart attacks mid-game. We forget the horrible injuries that have happened in the NFL, whether it be a year ago or fifty years ago. We must hold the NFL accountable for the pain, suffering, and yes, even deaths that have occurred under their watch on their fields. After Damar Hamlin's reminder of just how unsafe the NFL can be, we as viewers hope to see a change in protocol and overall safety of the game as not much has really changed over the years. 

  When Damar Hamlin suffered a cardiac arrest, America watched, concerned for his life. Now that it has been learned he will make a full recovery, heads should turn toward the ongoing issue of health problems caused by playing football. Even this season, Miami Dolphins Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa has suffered two confirmed concussions. 

    Early in the season, Tua fell backward, hitting his head with much force on the turf. After standing up to continue playing, he began to stumble, having difficulty walking. Tua returned to the game, leading his team to a 21-19 victory over the Buffalo Bills. The Miami Dolphins never reported that he suffered a concussion, causing speculation. Just four days later, Tua and the Dolphins played against the Cincinnati Bengals, where he went down with another injury. This time, Tua lay on the ground with his hands curled toward the sky, which is a sign of neurological damage. After this injury, Dr. Bennet Omalu advised Tua to retire.

Dr. Bennet Omalu was the man who discovered Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE), a degenerative brain disease found in those who have suffered repetitive head injuries. Many may have learned about Dr. Bennet Omalu when Will Smith played him in the movie Concussion (2015). The film gives insight into a number of NFL players whose life took a turn after they retired, likely due to the head trauma they received when playing. This includes Justin Strzelczyk, who was an offensive tackle for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Strzelczyk hit a tank truck while driving 90 miles per hour into ongoing traffic escaping the police, his autopsy revealed that he had brain damage from playing football. There have been a total of 52 confirmed NFL players who have been diagnosed with CTE; however, it is extremely likely that more players have been diagnosed or are unaware that they suffer from the disease. In 2017, Boston University found that out of 202 brains of football players, 177 brains of the group were diagnosed with CTE. Out of the 111 brains from NFL players, 110 of the brains were found to have CTE. Despite considering the fact that these brains were donated by family members that suspected these players suffered from CTE, this is still an alarming statistic and needs to be contemplated. 

Football is exciting and enjoyable and is also a way for fans to come together, sharing their passion for the game. However, it is important that leagues at all levels take safety seriously and ensure that all players have high-quality equipment because the health of the human brain is far more important. If the equipment and other aspects of football improve, while still keeping the intensity and competitiveness of the sport, hopefully, parents will feel more comfortable allowing their kids to play. With these adjustments, the game of football can be more enjoyable for all.