Grant Schulz

Due to all of the recent severe concussions in the National Football League, what can be done to help keep the players safer?

1.

A History of Violence

Taibbi, Matt. "A History of Violence."Rolling Stone, 1119 (2010): 32.

The article discusses an increase which has been seen in concussions among football players in the National Football League. In the article the author offers his opinions on the increase, on a willingness to accept serious injuries which is seen among football fans and on changes which have been seen in the athletic ability of football players in the NFL.  This article will be of use to me to explore how serious injuries are dealt with and the changes that are currently being made to help improve player safety.

2.

Austin Collie Clears His Head

Layden, Tim. "Austin Collie Clears His Head." Sports Illustrated, 114.18 (2011): 56-59.

This article is about a current NFL player, Austin Collie, who suffered two concussions last season alone.  It goes over all of the rehab and tests he had to take to be able to play again.  It will be a very helpful article to me because it provides a players perspective and insight to the world of concussions.  One of the most controversial topics is how to tell when a player doesn’t have concussion symptoms and can resume playing.  It is so controversial because players can easily lie about their symptoms just to return back to the game without considering the long term affects.

3.

Does Football Have a Future?

McGrath, Ben. "Does Football Have a Future?." New Yorker, 86.46 (2011): 41-51.

The article discusses head injuries and concussions among football players in the U.S. National Football League and rising public awareness of the dangers associated with the violence of the sport. Emphasis is given to the efforts of journalist Alan Schwarz in bringing media and public attention to football-related injuries such as chronic traumatic encephalopathy. Other topics include reforms to the game, helmet technology, and the future of the NFL.  This article will be most valuable to me for its new ideas on equipment technology and ways they are improving gear the players wear.

4.

Heads Up!

"HEADS UP!." State Legislatures, 37.2 (2011): 21.

An interview with Roger Goodell, eighth chief executive in the National Football League, is presented. When asked why the NFL is working with congress on a law dealing with youth sports concussions, he answers that concussions are an important public health concern and they can work together to make sports safer. He mentions three core principles in the law, including educating athletes and parents about concussions, removal from play of an athlete who may have a concussion and allowing him to return only after clearance from a doctor.  This document will be of value to me to see what the commissioner of the National Football League is doing to confront the ever so serious issues of concussions.