Brian Westbrook, Brian Urlacher Discuss Concussions And The NFL

Westbrook (l) Says He Is Worried About Impact Of Concussions

Eagles RB Brian Westbrook, who has suffered two concussions this season, Tuesday said, "There's not a lot of data that says in 10 years, 20 years, you'll be fine if you have too many concussions. I'm worried about that. Hopefully, next time I go out there and play I don't have to worry about it anymore." Westbrook, appearing on HBO's "Joe Buck Live," said his "biggest concern" was how the head injuries would affect him after he retires. He said, "How am I going to be affected when I'm 50, when I'm 60? Will I have all these brain diseases, things like that? ... I don't want to put myself in a position where I have to worry about those things." Bears LB Brian Urlacher believes concussions are "at the forefront now because it's all people are talking about this season." The NFL's newly-updated concussion policy establishes tougher guidelines for allowing players with head injuries to return to play, but Urlacher said, "It's going to be hard personally for me to tell my coach, if I'm not dinged up too bad, to tell him I can't go back in" ("Joe Buck Live," HBO, 12/8).

A HEADS-UP DECISION: In DC, Mark Maske reported the NFL has produced a PSA "about concussion treatment and management that is scheduled to begin airing" tonight during NFL Network's coverage of the Steelers-Browns game. The 30-second spot, which was approved by the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, also is slated to air this weekend "and in the future on NBC, CBS, Fox and ESPN." NFL officials said that the spot is "aimed at athletes, parents and coaches, and at young athletes and their parents and coaches in particular." The ad urges players "not to try to hide concussions, and advises coaches and parents to educate themselves about head injuries and to prevent any athlete who suffers such an injury from returning to play before a qualified health professional approves such a move" (WASHINGTONPOST.com, 12/9).

PROTECTION PLAN: SI.com's Peter King reported NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell may "focus on helmets next." Goodell said that he is "most concerned now with the fact that many players don't use helmets with the latest trauma-diffusing technology." Neurosurgeon Dr. Joseph Maroon indicated that the NFL "might consider taking the issue out of the players' hands -- and enforcing a rule mandating players use one of the new helmets" next season. Maroon said that the league is "studying new helmets from five helmet manufacturers" (SI.com, 12/8).