The NFL and NHL have managed to survive the first fifteen years of increased awareness regarding the link between repetitive head trauma and long-term health consequences. However, despite this knowledge, both sports have not fully accepted the risks associated with this issue. Following the recent death of former NHL enforcer Chris Simon at 52, the NHL’s deputy commissioner stated that there is still a lack of scientific evidence linking playing hockey to Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE). While there may be gaps in our understanding of CTE, it is clear that repeated head trauma is detrimental to one’s health.
Simon’s family, who strongly believes that he suffered from CTE which contributed to his death, does not need further proof of the link between head trauma and long-term health issues. Similarly, the NFL has also shown resistance to fully acknowledging the obvious risks associated with repetitive head injuries. In a deposition from July 2022, Commissioner Roger Goodell claimed that there is uncertainty about the connection between concussions and long-term damage, despite existing evidence from other sports like boxing.
Despite the known risks, the supply of professional hockey and football players has not diminished, indicating that players are still willing to engage in these sports even with the potential health consequences. The NFL’s efforts to reduce concussions show that they are aware of the risks, regardless of Goodell’s testimony. The time for ignoring the science behind head trauma and its long-term effects has passed, and both sports must now fully accept and address these risks. People are aware of the dangers, yet they continue to participate in these activities, emphasizing the need for both sports to prioritize player safety.
