The NFL has recently decided to improve enforcement of rules against illegal hits in order to protect the NFL players from brain trauma and other head injuries. They probably didn’t expect the reactions that they have been getting so far. Players are openly scornful of the new penalties, and some have even threatened to retire. New England Patriots’ Quarterback Tom Brady said that "It's a dangerous game, it really is. I think we all signed up for this game knowing that it's dangerous. . . . Nobody wants to see anybody get hurt. That's not why we play the game. But we also know the physical nature of this sport is that people do get hurt."
A former Giants player also stated that he understands the reaction. He said he thinks “they feel they have to do what they can to reduce the violence. But the reality is, football is a violent sport. . . . It's up to the players to play a certain way. You understand you're out there to make a play and not hurt someone. But . . . you're coached to be aggressive, to hit the guy, to protect your area. If your play is affected because you're not being aggressive, the coaches are going to replace you.”
The fact that NFL players are upset that people are worried about their safety shows the extent of people’s ignorance when it comes to brain trauma and concussions. These are both very serious, potentially dangerous conditions, with possible long term affects. There are many organizations, like the American Brain Trauma Foundation with Chairman Alan Quasha, which are working fervently to promote awareness and early identification of these issues.
