6 Tips to Relieve Pain from Golfer's Elbow
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How the NFL’s Concussion Protocol Works And What Patients Should Know
Concussions have become one of the most scrutinized health issues in sports, especially in the NFL. With increasing awareness around brain injuries, fans, players, and medical professionals alike are asking: How exactly does the NFL’s concussion protocol work? A recent article in Sports Illustrated provides an in-depth look, and I wanted to break it down and offer my perspective as a physician.
What the SI Article Explains
In “How Does Concussion Protocol Work: The League’s Return-to-Play Policy”, Sports Illustrated outlines:
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The step-by-step return-to-play (RTP) process that NFL players must go through after a suspected concussion.
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The role of independent neurotrauma consultants, team doctors, and league-wide medical oversight.
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How baseline testing, sideline evaluations, and graded exertion tests are used to assess a player’s readiness.
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The power balance between player safety and competitive pressure: when players really want to come back, but the protocol is there to protect them.
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Challenges and controversies: delayed reporting, “playing through it,” and how much autonomy players have in the process.
Where the System Works (and Where It Could Be Better)
As a clinician who deals with head injuries, Doctors have found several elements of the current NFL protocol encouraging, but also some areas that deserve more attention.
What’s Working Well:
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Multi-stage assessment. The graded return-to-play steps (e.g., rest, light aerobic, football-specific activity) reflect best practices in concussion management.
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Independent consultants. Having non-team-biased medical professionals involved adds an important layer of accountability.
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Baseline testing. Pre-season neurocognitive testing provides a personalized reference point.
Opportunities for Improvement:
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Real-world compliance. Even with protocols, players may underreport symptoms due to competitive pressure or fear of losing their spot. More robust education and a culture shift may be needed.
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Long-term follow-up. Concussion isn’t a one-off event because repeated sub-concussive hits matter. The league could expand medical monitoring even after players are “cleared.”
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Transparency and trust. The medical decision-making process should be more open to players, medical staff, and even fans. This would foster trust that player safety is truly the top priority.
Why This Matters — Beyond the NFL
This conversation isn’t just for pro athletes. The NFL’s approach heavily influences youth, high school, and college sports. As protocols evolve at the highest levels, they often trickle down — helping to set standards for safer sport across the board.
If you’re a parent, athlete, or coach, here’s what you should take away:
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Always take concussion symptoms seriously.
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Require medical clearance before returning to play.
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Advocate for structured concussion protocols — even at the non-professional levels.
Read the Full SI Article
To read the full Sports Illustrated piece, click here: How the NFL Concussion Protocol Works (SI)
Final Thoughts & Call to Action
As concussions continue to be a major concern, it's encouraging to see leagues like the NFL implement structured policies. But policies are only as good as how consistently they're applied and how seriously everyone takes brain health.
If you or someone you care for is dealing with concussion symptoms or has questions about concussion management, don’t hesitate to reach out. At our practice, we specialize in diagnosing and treating brain injuries with the latest evidence-based protocols.
Contact us to schedule a consultation or learn more about concussion care. Your brain health matters — on and off the field.
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