In the realm of professional sports, few issues are as pressing and consequential as the long-term health and well-being of athletes. Within the landscape of American football, Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) stands as a significant concern. Given the accumulating evidence linking football-related head trauma to CTE, it is imperative that NFL players undergo comprehensive testing for this degenerative brain disease at the conclusion of their careers. This essay will make clear the rationale behind mandatory CTE testing, emphasizing the importance of player safety and the ethical responsibility of the NFL.
The foremost argument for mandatory CTE testing revolves around the fundamental obligation to prioritize player health. Throughout their careers, NFL athletes endure countless blows to the head, often leading to sub-concussive and concussive injuries. These repetitive traumas have been directly linked to the development of CTE, a neurodegenerative condition associated with cognitive decline, mood disorders, and in severe cases, premature death. By implementing mandatory testing, the NFL can identify players at risk of CTE and provide them with the necessary medical support and resources for early intervention and management.
Beyond the immediate implications for health management, CTE testing empowers players to make informed decisions about their post-career endeavors. Armed with knowledge about their cognitive health, athletes can better plan for their future, whether it entails transitioning to alternative careers, pursuing further education, or accessing appropriate medical care. In essence, CTE testing fosters a culture of transparency and accountability within the NFL, ensuring that players are equipped to navigate the complexities of life after football.
Furthermore, mandatory CTE testing serves as a pivotal component of ongoing research and prevention initiatives aimed at mitigating the prevalence and severity of head trauma in football. By compiling comprehensive data on the incidence of CTE among retired NFL players, researchers can gain invaluable insights into the underlying mechanisms of the disease and develop targeted interventions and preventive measures. Moreover, further studies facilitated by mandatory testing enable scientists to monitor the progression of CTE and evaluate the efficacy of therapeutic interventions, ultimately enhancing our understanding of neurodegenerative disorders.
From an ethical standpoint, the implementation of mandatory CTE testing aligns with the overarching principle of athlete welfare and dignity. The NFL bears a moral responsibility to safeguard the health and safety of its players, both during and after their careers. Failure to address the pervasive threat of CTE not only undermines the integrity of the sport but also perpetuates a culture of neglect and exploitation. By prioritizing player well-being and instituting proactive measures to mitigate the risks associated with head trauma, the NFL can uphold its ethical obligations and foster a climate of trust and accountability among players, fans, and staff.
The NFL is already under heat for their responsibility in not protecting or warning its players on head trauma. In an article in the Washing Post they exclaim how the NFL was facing lawsuits by more than 75 players at the state and federal court level. It highlights, “the main reason they sued was CTE, the once-obscure disease that had been discovered in the brains of dozens of former NFL players. The lawsuits sought financial damages as well as money for medical care, including for healthy players in case they developed problems later in life.” The NFL could prevent further lawsuits and responsibilities with mandatory testing and ensuring proper care of their players.
You may be wondering why the need for mandatory testing of CTE at the conclusion of professional American football athletes careers, but the answer is fairly clear. Numerous facts and studies prove that CTE is very common in these professional athletes. In a football CTE statistics report Jannik Lindner writes, “CTE was found in 99% of deceased NFL players’ brains that were donated to scientific research.” If this isn’t convincing enough she also talks about, “a study of 111 NFL players’ brains revealed that all but one was diagnosed with CTE.” There is no secret that CTE is extremely common and a very high risk for any professional athlete that has a career in the NFL.
One very notable and severe tragedy of CTE that hits very close to home is the Arron Hernandez story. Aaron played many years in the NFL for the New England Patriots and lived in the town North Attleboro, Massachusetts where I currently live and grew up. Aaron is nationally known for his success on the field, but sadly more so for the tragedies at the end of his life. His CTE led to erratic behavior and ultimately life altering decisions. Less than a mile from my hometown public High School I attended and down the road from one of the elementary schools that held students and faculty that idolized professional athletes like Arron, a victim was found shot and murdered in cold blood. Arron had committed a gruesome murder with no serious intentions, but professionals believe his deteriorated brain played a major part. In an article about Aaron’s CTE written by Rich Barlow, medical professional Ann Mckee, head of Boston University CTE center exclaims, “ This would be the first case we’ve seen of that kind of damage in such a young individual.”
Aarons murder had a serious impact nationwide and specifically in our community. The same neighborhood he lived and spent his time in was the same neighborhood where my friends and I played games and went trick or treating. The same trail the body was found on was the same trail me and my friends would ride our bikes or go and mess around. It truly was a tragedy for the community where we all looked up to the many NFL players that also shared the neighborhood like Teddy Bruschi and Logan Mankins or even Jerod Mayo. Could this have all been avoided? If the mandatory testing for CTE was required for inactive or retired NFL players could he have been helped and stopped such a serious event from happening? I truly believe the answer is yes, with new research and with more support efforts could have been made to work with people suffering from CTE and save future professional athletes from their own deteriorating minds.
In conclusion, the implementation of mandatory CTE testing for NFL players represents a crucial step towards safeguarding the health and longevity of athletes. By prioritizing player welfare, promoting informed decision-making, facilitating research endeavors, and upholding ethical imperatives, the NFL can address the pervasive threat of CTE and foster a culture of safety and accountability within the sport. As we continue to confront the complexities of head trauma in football, it is imperative that we remain steadfast in our commitment to protecting the well-being of those who dedicate their lives to the game.
Work Cited
Lindner, Jannik. “Football CTE Statistics: Market Report & Data • Gitnux.” GITNUX, 20 Dec. 2023, gitnux.org/football-cte-statistics/#:~:text=Highlights%3A%20Football%20Cte%20Statistics&text=CTE%20was%20found%20in%2099,likely%20they%20will%20develop%20CTE.
Bracken, Tara. “Aaron Hernandez’s CTE Worst Seen in a Young Person.” Boston University, 9 Nov. 2017, http://www.bu.edu/articles/2017/aaron-hernandez-cte-worst-seen-in-young-person/.
The NFL Concussion Settlement’s Broken Promises – Washington Post, http://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/interactive/2024/nfl-concussion-settlement/. Accessed 4 May 2024.
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