Dec 29, 2013; Phoenix, AZ, USA; San Francisco 49ers linebacker Patrick Willis (52) against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Patrick Willis was considered one of the elite linebackers in the NFL. His combination of size, speed and strength struck fear in the hearts of the opposition. Throughout his eight year career, he was elected to the Pro-bowl in his first seven seasons. But at age 30, seemingly in the prime of his career, Willis made the decision to retire on March 10, 2015. His inability to play without pain was cited as the main reason for his early exit.
Willis is not the only player to end his career at an early stage. Fellow linebacker and teammate Chris Borland had just come off a stellar rookie campaign when he decided to retire in the offseason. Borland’s decision to cut his career short stemmed from concerns over potential head trauma injury. He stated that he wanted to do what was best for his health and he did not think it was worth it to continue playing.
Another player that recently decided to end his career early was former Tennessee Titans quarterback, Jake Locker. Much like Borland, recurring injuries forced to him to retire early. Locker was the 8th overall pick in 2011 and he had never played an entire season due to injuries.
It is evident that concussion awareness in the NFL has risen over the past few years and this trend of early retirements is set to continue unless something is done to reduce head injuries. Riddell the American sports equipment company that has supplied helmets for the NFL and football players of all ages for years, has implemented new technology into their helmets that aim to help in the fight against concussions. Their new “Speedflex” football helmet is designed to disperse energy, reducing the risk of trauma. This version builds upon technology used in earlier helmet models. Other features include: new ratchet style chin straps attachment system and a redesigned interior liner that conforms to the player’s head. This helmet has been gaining traction in the college game and teams such as Arkansas and Florida State have used them.
Unfortunately the battle against concussions doesn’t end with on the field technology. Players are affected by concussion symptoms well after they are done playing. It is crucial that athletes who have suffered concussions monitor their health well after they retire. “P.A.S.T” is a concussion treatment program that provides medical care for retired athletes. This program has shown signs of past success when it comes to reducing the symptoms related to head injuries and CTE.
The P.A.S.T. Concussion Treatment Program uses multiple medical disciplines that are fully integrated and also uses a unique peer group support systems which are key components of the program. Some other features of the program include: comprehensive testing, state of the art blood work and hormone replacement. Athletes from all sports including the NFL, NBA and MLB have used P.A.S.T. and have had nothing but positive remarks about the company. Ray Lucas played seven years in the NFL and he has utilized this program. “My experience with P.A.S.T. just blows my mind!” he said. “The doctors and the staff truly care. They even call me all the time to see how I am feeling. They are a great support system for me and so many other guys.”
It’s no secret that football is one of the most violent sports in the world. The NFL is a multi-billion dollar organization and it seems to be growing each year. But if the NFL wants to continue their pattern of success, they need to make sure they are taking care of their past and present players. If the NFL wants this trend of early retirements to end, then they must take action immediately. If they decide to ignore this problem and fail to come up with a solution, the NFL might end sooner rather than later.
