Concussions have been a hot topic in the field of sports,

especially on the football field. Over 3,800,000 concussions were

reported in 2012, double than what was reported in 2002, at all levels
in football ranging from little league all the way to the NFL. A
concussion is defined as a complex pathophysiological process that
affects the brain, that can happen from a trauma induced to the head.
They have been linked to many brain disorders such as CTE (Chronic
Traumatic Encephalopathy). Some symptoms of a concussion include:
headache, loss of consciousness, confusion, amnesia surrounding the
traumatic event, dizziness, ringing in the ears, nausea, vomiting,
slurred speech, delayed response to questions, appearing dazed,
fatigue. On September 20, 2015, CNN did a report on Ex- NFL football
players that donated their brain to science after they had passed away,
letting scientists examine their brain. 87 of 91 players that were
examined tested positive for brain diseases such as CTE linked to
repeated head trauma and concussions that were sustained during
their life and playing days of football. Many football players face a fork
in the road when the topic of head injuries in football comes to light.

Austin Collie, a former BYU wide receiver that played in the NFL
from the years 2009 to 2013 faced this decision in his career. In his 5
year NFL career Austin suffered 3 concussions, all-coming in a 2-year
span. Without playing in the league, Austin would not earn a salary or
have money to fall back on. The fork in the road came when teams
would not sign him due to his medical past and without doctor

approval. His option was either to continue to try and play football with
the high risk of further head injury, or retire from the game and try to
earn a living another way. Football players have a hard time stepping
away from the game because they have little other skill in the work
force. Some athletes did earn a degree while they were in college, but
many did not because they left school early to declare for the NFL
draft. Austin has tried to further his football career, playing with the
risk of head injury but with the purpose to earn money to support his
family and put food on the table.

Football has the highest total amount of concussions reported in

every sport both male and female. Football tops the list with 76.8 to
every 100,000 athletic exposures followed by boys ice hockey at 54,
then girls soccer with 33. Many precautions have been taken in football
to lower the chances of sustaining a concussion. Some of these
precautions include rule adjustments to not allow helmet-to-helmet
contact while in action, mouth guards, advancements in technology in
helmet making and recertification of helmets every year to make sure
they are kept up to NOCSAE (National Operating Committee on
Standards for Athletic Equipment).