NFL's Concussion Challenge: A Shared Pursuit of Player Safety

NFL's Concussion Challenge: A Shared Pursuit of Player Safety

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Johnny Hartman
Nov 25, 2024 • 4 min read

While not official partners, the NFL and Praxi Vision share a common goal: improving the well-being of athletes and addressing the complex issue of concussions in professional football. Both entities are making strides, but the journey is far from over.

NFL's Progress:

Analyzing the NFL concussion data between 2017 and 2024 reveals a noticeable decrease in the overall concussion rate. In 2017, the concussion rate was 1.95 per 100 player games; in 2024, it stood at 1.43 per 100. This represents a decrease of approximately 27%.

Several factors likely contribute to this decline:

  • Increased Awareness: The NFL has enhanced its efforts to raise awareness about concussions, their symptoms, and the importance of prompt reporting. 
  • Stricter Rules: Rule changes aimed at reducing helmet-to-helmet hits and other dangerous tackles have likely contributed to decreasing concussion incidence.
  • Improved Diagnostic Tools: Advancements in concussion diagnosis, including the use of digital assessments like Praxi Vision, may be leading to better identification and management of concussions. 

While this decline in concussion rates is encouraging, it's essential to recognize that challenges persist. Continued focus on early reporting, accurate diagnosis, and addressing potential long-term effects remains crucial. The NFL and organizations like Praxi Vision are committed to ongoing efforts to improve player safety and concussion management.

  • This improvement can be attributed to increased awareness, stricter rules, and improved diagnostic tools.
  • However, challenges remain in ensuring consistent reporting and addressing potential long-term effects.

Praxi Vision's Impact:

Praxi Vision's innovative platform offers a new dimension to concussion management. Focusing on visual and neurological function provides objective data that complements traditional assessments. 

  • Digital assessments help identify subtle deficits that standard tests may miss. 
  • Baseline testing allows for personalized comparisons and more accurate diagnoses. 
  • Recovery tracking provides objective data to guide return-to-play decisions. 
  • Targeted training programs address specific deficits, aiding recovery and potentially preventing future injuries. 

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The Road Ahead:

Despite the progress, the NFL and Praxi Vision recognize the need for continued efforts.

  • Encouraging early reporting and accurate diagnosis remains crucial.
  • The long-term effects of repeated head trauma require further research and management strategies.
  • The effectiveness of return-to-play protocols needs continuous evaluation and improvement.

A Shared Commitment:

The NFL and Praxi Vision contribute to a shift in concussion management through their independent but aligned efforts. By prioritizing player health and embracing innovative solutions, they pave the way for a safer future in professional football. 

While challenges persist, the commitment to progress is evident. Focusing on objective data, personalized recovery, and long-term well-being offers hope for a more informed and proactive approach to concussion management in the NFL.

Long-Term Effects of Concussions:


Recent studies have illuminated the significant long-term impacts of repeated concussions on NFL players:

  • Cognitive Decline: Research indicates that players with multiple concussions show accelerated cognitive aging, particularly in areas of memory and executive function.
  • CTE Risk: Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) remains a serious concern, with post-mortem studies showing high prevalence among former players.
  • Mental Health: Depression, anxiety, and mood disorders occur at higher rates among players with concussion histories.
  • Quality of Life: Former players report impacts on daily activities, career longevity, and post-retirement well-being.

Impact of Therapy and Training:

  • Improved Recovery Rates: Studies show early intervention and targeted therapy can significantly improve recovery outcomes after a concussion. 
  • Reduced Long-Term Risks: Proper management and rehabilitation can help mitigate the risk of developing long-term cognitive and mental health issues. 
  • Enhanced Quality of Life: Effective therapy and training can help individuals regain their pre-concussion function and quality of life. 

Praxi Vision's Role:

  • Early Detection: Praxi Vision's digital assessments can help identify subtle visual and cognitive deficits that may not be apparent through traditional assessments. 
  • Personalized Training: The platform allows customized training programs tailored to each individual's needs. 
  • Progress Monitoring: Praxi Vision enables objective monitoring of recovery progress, helping to guide treatment decisions and ensure a safe return to activity.

Therapeutic Interventions and Outcomes:

Modern therapeutic approaches are showing promising results in managing both immediate and long-term effects:

Visual-Motor Training:

  • Players utilizing specialized visual training programs show 40% faster recovery times
  • Improved depth perception and reaction times post-recovery
  • Enhanced spatial awareness leads to better injury prevention

Cognitive Rehabilitation:

Some studies suggest improvements in cognitive performance following these programs. The exact extent of improvement varies significantly between individuals and depends on multiple factors, including:

  • The severity of the initial injury
  • Timing of intervention
  • Individual patient characteristics
  • Type and intensity of the training program
  • Better emotional regulation and stress management

Current research continues to evaluate the effectiveness of these programs, but more long-term studies are needed to quantify specific outcomes.

Physical Therapy Integration:

  • Combined approaches addressing both physical and neurological symptoms show superior outcomes
  • 50% reduction in secondary symptoms when therapy begins within 48 hours
  • Decreased likelihood of recurring concussions with comprehensive rehabilitation

Prevention Through Training:
Proactive approaches are yielding positive results:

  • Regular neurological assessments help identify early warning signs
  • Personalized training programs address individual vulnerabilities
  • Baseline assessments provide healthcare providers with individual-specific data to assess the severity of injuries better when they occur
  • Make more informed return-to-play decisions
  • Track recovery progress against pre-injury performance levels

The Role of Technology:
Advanced monitoring and training tools are revolutionizing treatment:

  • Real-time tracking of recovery progress
  • Data-driven decision-making for return-to-play protocols
  • Objective measurements of improvement and function

Future Implications:
The evolution of concussion management suggests a promising future:

  • Earlier detection leads to better long-term outcomes
  • Personalized treatment protocols based on individual profiles
  • Integration of preventive measures with reactive treatments
  • Continued research into innovative therapeutic approaches

This comprehensive approach to concussion management, combining immediate care with long-term monitoring and treatment, represents a significant advancement in protecting player health. The data suggests that proper intervention not only aids recovery but can significantly mitigate long-term health risks, offering hope for current and future NFL players.

Below is a composite video of all the 2017 reported concussions. (click web view above. If you do not see a video, CLICK HERE for web view)

ALL NFL CONCUSSIONS IN 2017 in a moving montage.