When Damar Hamlin made his triumphant return to the NFL recently, it felt like fate had scripted the moment. Facing him on the gridiron was none other than Tua Tagovailoa. Their journey back to the field was marred by significant health scares during the 2022 season, and it became a pivotal point in discussions about player safety in the NFL.
Tagovailoa’s ordeal began when he suffered two concussions during the previous season. The first concussion left him unconscious on the field with his arms in a startling position, a classic sign of concussion. Astonishingly, he was discharged from the hospital the same night, raising eyebrows about the decision to let him play so soon after such an incident.
The second concussion occurred after another hard hit, leaving him visibly unsteady on his feet. Yet, he was allowed to complete the game and subsequently faced Cincinnati, which drew further criticism. The NFL and the players’ union (NFLPA) launched an investigation into the handling of these incidents, examining the league’s concussion protocol.
Introduced in 2011, the concussion protocol aims to assess players who exhibit concussion symptoms. It involves a series of neurological checks and a verbal review conducted by medical professionals. If a concussion is suspected, the player cannot return to the game and must clear a return-to-participation protocol.
In Tagovailoa’s case, it was found that the concussion protocol was followed during the Buffalo game, but the NFLPA raised questions about the involvement of the unaffiliated neurotrauma consultant (UNC). Subsequently, the protocol has been refined several times since its introduction, and ‘ataxia,’ a neurological issue affecting balance, coordination, or speech, was added to the list of symptoms warranting removal from the game.
Dr. Allen Sills, the NFL’s chief medical officer, acknowledged that improvements were needed. “Obviously, we weren’t pleased with the outcome because we would have liked to have seen the player removed [from the game],” he stated. “We responded by changing the protocol, so I think that was a ‘take-home,’ just like we’ve learned from other situations through the years.”
Concussions remained a significant concern in the NFL, with 213 reported in the 2022 season, a 13.9% increase from the previous year. Dr. Sills attributed this rise partly to expanded mid-season protocol assessments, averaging 1.6 per game. However, the introduction of guardian caps for practice sessions led to a reduction in pre-season practice concussions, from 30 to 25.
Not only are headgear innovations making an impact, but helmet evaluations have become an annual ritual. The top-ranked helmets from 2020 are now prohibited, and position-specific helmets have been introduced to account for the differing head impact dynamics in various player positions.
The NFL has consistently adapted its rules to enhance player safety. In the latest efforts, they expanded the rule against helmet-to-helmet contact and revised kick-off rules to mitigate high-speed collisions during returns.
Beyond these changes, the NFL actively shares data and insights with other leagues, fostering a collaborative approach to player protection. Dr. Jim Ellis, the NFL’s director of emergency preparedness, leveraged experiences gained during the UEFA European Championship in 2021 to ensure the NFL was prepared for emergencies like Hamlin’s cardiac arrest in Cincinnati.
The NFL’s Emergency Action Plan, activated when Hamlin collapsed, involves a team of 30 medical professionals at each game. Their pre-game meetings ensure seamless coordination of responsibilities and access to medical equipment, aiming to provide hospital-level care within stadiums.
Hamlin’s recovery from commotio cordis, an extremely rare event triggered by a blow to the chest disrupting the heart’s rhythm, was attributed to immediate CPR and defibrillation. While heroic, the medical staff’s actions exemplify the level of preparedness the NFL strives for in emergencies.
Both Hamlin and Tagovailoa are back in action, demonstrating resilience and determination. Tagovailoa, in addition to adopting a safer helmet, pursued jiu-jitsu training to minimize the impact when tackled and increased his muscle mass for durability. His performance has been remarkable this season, earning him a place as a frontrunner for the NFL’s Most Valuable Player award.
As the NFL continues its journey to reduce concussions and identify them more effectively, Hamlin’s recovery serves as a poignant reminder of the effectiveness of the league’s emergency plan. Dr. Sills summed it up, stating, “Everything we do is to make this as safe a place as it can possibly be for any emergencies that might occur.”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about NFL Player Safety
Q: What were the key incidents involving Tua Tagovailoa and Damar Hamlin in the 2022 NFL season?
A: In the 2022 NFL season, Tua Tagovailoa suffered two concussions, with the first leaving him unconscious and the second leading to concerns about his playing status. Damar Hamlin experienced a cardiac arrest on the field during a game against the Cincinnati Bengals, requiring immediate medical attention.
Q: How did the NFL handle these incidents?
A: The NFL and the NFLPA jointly manage the league’s concussion protocol, which was assessed in both Tagovailoa and Hamlin’s cases. The protocol involves neurological checks and a return-to-participation process. The league also made updates to the protocol following these incidents.
Q: What changes have been made to improve player safety in the NFL?
A: The NFL has introduced innovations such as guardian caps for practice and position-specific helmets to reduce head injuries. Rule changes, like restricting helmet-to-helmet contact and modifying kick-off rules, aim to mitigate concussion risks.
Q: How does the NFL collaborate with other leagues to enhance player safety?
A: The NFL shares data and insights with other leagues, fostering a collaborative approach to player protection. The league’s director of emergency preparedness gained experiences from other sporting events to ensure readiness for emergencies.
Q: How have Tagovailoa and Hamlin recovered from their injuries?
A: Tagovailoa adopted a safer helmet, pursued jiu-jitsu training to reduce head impact, and increased his muscle mass. Hamlin’s recovery from cardiac arrest was attributed to immediate CPR and defibrillation. Both players have made remarkable comebacks to the NFL.
Q: What is the NFL’s approach to emergency preparedness during games?
A: The NFL has an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) in place, involving a team of medical professionals at each game. They coordinate responsibilities and access to medical equipment, striving to provide hospital-level care within stadiums.
Q: How does the NFL aim to make the game safer for players in the future?
A: The NFL continues to evolve its rules, helmet technology, and concussion protocols to reduce injuries and enhance player safety. The league’s commitment is to create a safer environment for players in the face of potential emergencies.
More about NFL Player Safety
- NFL Concussion Protocol
- NFL Head Health Initiative
- Guardian Caps in NFL
- NFL Helmet Evaluation Rankings
- NFL Rules and Player Safety
- NFL Emergency Action Plan (EAP)
- Tua Tagovailoa’s NFL Profile
- Damar Hamlin’s NFL Profile
