Football safety remains focus as new CTE study released

As football season begins in Durham Public Schools, researchers are focusing on the ongoing threat of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a brain disease linked to repeated head impacts. CTE develops over time due to repeated blows to the head, even if they don't result in a concussion, according to neurologist Leah Croll. A recent study discovered that 25% or more of NFL players who passed away between 2016 and 2021 had CTE.

Croll emphasized that sub-concussive hits, or hits that don't cause a concussion, can still increase the risk of developing CTE. The NFL acknowledged the study's sobering implications, stating they are committed to making the game safer through strategies to reduce concussions and head impacts. However, diagnosing CTE only becomes possible after death, which limits research efforts to understanding the disease's development and finding preventive or treatment methods.

This becomes particularly concerning for children. The study comes amidst a tragic incident where a 17-year-old high school quarterback in Wisconsin died after a severe head injury during a game. Durham Public Schools is taking multiple safety measures, including using Guardian Caps for added protection and having licensed professionals on-site to evaluate injuries and ensure proper concussion protocols are followed. These efforts aim to minimize risks and safeguard student-athletes throughout the football season.