Former NFL quarterback Bernie Kosar, having endured over 100 concussions during his 12-season career, has bravely shared his personal struggles with traumatic brain injuries and chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). His journey, marked by numerous surgeries, seizures, and years of medication, highlights the devastating impact of repeated head trauma in football. Kosar's recent interview on "America’s Newsroom" marked a significant step in his recovery, a testament to his resilience after years of struggling with communication difficulties due to his injuries.
Joining Kosar on the program was Chris Nowinski, CEO of the Concussion Legacy Foundation, who emphasized the urgent need for changes in football to protect athletes from CTE. Nowinski pointed out that while concussions have been a major focus, the real culprit is the cumulative effect of repetitive hits to the head, both large and small. These impacts, he explained, can be equivalent to car crashes at 30 miles per hour, especially at the high school level.
Nowinski advocates for modifying practice drills, game rules, and even delaying the age at which children begin playing tackle football. He highlighted a bill in New York that proposes banning tackle football for children under 12, promoting flag football as a safer alternative that minimizes the risk of repetitive head trauma and CTE. He stressed that the focus should shift from simply managing concussions to minimizing the overall number and force of impacts players experience throughout their careers.
Kosar expressed gratitude for the increasing media attention given to the long-term consequences of head injuries in sports, seeing it as a crucial step towards raising awareness and finding solutions. His own recovery journey, combined with Nowinski's advocacy, underscores the importance of proactive measures to protect athletes' brains and ensure a healthier future for the sport.
