What Is The Average Number Of Concussions In The NFL?

A recent study found that the average number of concussions in the NFL is around 250 per year. This number has been increasing over the past few years, and it’s likely that even more concussions are going unreported. With such a high rate of concussions, it’s important to understand the risks and how to prevent them.

Introduction

There is no one answer to this question as the number of concussions sustained by NFL players varies each year. However, according to a study conducted by the American Journal of Sports Medicine, the average number of concussions sustained by NFL players during the regular season from 2012 to 2016 was 250. This means that, on average, there were approximately 42 concussions per team each season.

History of the NFL and Concussions

The National Football League (NFL) is a professional American football league consisting of 32 teams, divided equally between the National Football Conference (NFC) and the American Football Conference (AFC). The NFL is one of the four major North American professional sports leagues, the highest professional level of American football in the world, the wealthiest professional sport league by revenue, and the sport league with the most valuable teams. The NFL’s 17-week regular season runs from early September to late December, with each team playing 16 games and having one bye week. Following the conclusion of the regular season, six teams from each conference (four division winners and two wild card teams) advance to the playoffs, a single-elimination tournament culminating in the Super Bowl, which is usually held in early February and is played between the champions of the NFC and AFC.

The NFL was formed in 1920 as the American Professional Football Association (APFA) before renaming itself as the National Football League for the 1922 season. The NFL agreed to merge with AFL in 1966, and game began between AFC and NFC teams in 1970. Concussions were not really an issue of concern until recent years. In 2002, former Dallas Cowboys quarterback Troy Aikman retired at age 34 because of concussion-related issues. In October 2005, New York Jets wide receiver Laveranues Coles suffered his fourth concussion in 18 months. These events helped to increase public awareness about concussions in football players and raised concerns about their long-term effects.

According to a report byFrontline, as of 2013 there had been 159 documented cases of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a degenerative brain condition caused by repetitive head trauma, found in former NFL players. The true incidence of CTE among all football players is unknown, but it is thought to be significantly underdiagnosed due to its symptoms often resembling those of other conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. A 2015 study published in The Journal of Neuropathology & Experimental Neurology found that out of 111 deceased former NFL players studied, 87 percent tested positive for CTE.

As awareness of concussion-related injuries has increased in recent years, rules changes aimed at reducing these injuries have been implemented at all levels of football. In 2016 First Lady Michelle Obama launched a initiative called “Play 60” aimed at getting children active for at least 60 minutes a day to help reduce childhood obesity rates while also raising awareness about concussions among young athletes.

The Current State of Concussions in the NFL

According to a recent study, the average number of reported concussions in the NFL has risen by 32% over the past two seasons. In 2017, there were 281 reported concussions, while in 2018 that number jumped to 298. These numbers are still relatively low when compared to other sports, but they are nonetheless cause for concern.

There are a number of reasons why Concussions may be on the rise in the NFL. One theory is that players are simply more aware of the dangers of Concussions and are therefore more likely to report them. Another theory is that the increased size and speed of players is leading to more violent collisions, and thus more Concussions. Whatever the reason, it is clear that something needs to be done to reduce the number of Concussions in the NFL.

One way to reduce Concussions is by changing the rules of the game. For example, football could adopt a rule like rugby where players are not allowed to use their heads when tackling. This would dramatically reduce the number of head-to-head collisions and thus Concussions. Other possible rule changes include banning certain types of hits altogether, or increasing penalties for dangerous hits.

Another way to reduce Concussions is by improving equipment. Football helmets have come a long way in recent years, but they still have a long way to go. Newer helmet designs may help to reduce the number of Concussions by better absorbing impact energy or by dispersing it more evenly across the surface of the helmet. However, even if new helmets are proven to be effective at reducing Concissions, it will take many years for all players in the NFL to switch to these new designs.

Finally, another way to reduce Concussions is through education and awareness campaigns aimed at both players and fans. These campaigns can help everyone understand the risks associated with concussion and how best to avoid them. For example, players can be taught proper tackling techniques that minimize head trauma, and fans can be encouraged not to boo or cheer when players get injured on the field.

Ultimately, reducing concussions in the NFL will require a multi-faceted approach that includes rule changes, improved equipment, and educational campaigns aimed at both players and fans.

How Many Concussions per NFL Player?

The average number of concussions per NFL player is three, according to a study by the American Journal of Sports Medicine. The study looked at 1,176 NFL players over a five-year period from 2012 to 2016. Of those players, 730 suffered at least one concussion during that time frame.

How Does the NFL Compare to Other Sports?

Although the NFL has received the most attention for concussions and brain injuries, it’s important to remember that they are not the only sport where these injuries occur. In fact, all contact sports put athletes at risk for concussion and other head injuries. A recent study of college athletes found that nearly 10% of all athletes will suffer a concussion during their career. Football players are just as likely to suffer a concussion as hockey players, and both groups are more likely to suffer a concussion than baseball or basketball players.

So why is the NFL getting all the attention? There are a few reasons. First, the NFL is the most popular sport in America, so any story about concussions is going to get a lot of attention. Second, the NFL has been slow to respond to the problem of concussions. For many years, the league denied that there was a problem and downplayed the dangers of concussions. It wasn’t until recently that the NFL began taking concussions seriously and implemented new rules to protect players.

The good news is that awareness of concussions has increased dramatically in recent years, and all contact sports are taking steps to protect their athletes. The NFL has implemented new rules to limit contact during practices and games, and they’re working on developing better helmets that will reduce the risk of concussions. These efforts should help reduce the number of concussions in the NFL, but it’s important to remember that all contact sports come with some risk of concussion and other head injuries.

Conclusion

The average number of diagnosed concussions in the NFL has risen steadily over the past few years. In 2015, there were 275 concussions diagnosed, which is an increase of 32% from 2014. This trend appears to be continuing, as there have already been 110 concussions diagnosed in 2016 (as of Week 12).