NFL Players Donating Brains and Spinal Cord Tissue

The Super Bowl is just around the corner, and with that talk of football and commercials always tops Google. This year, however, something else is topping Google that football fans are taking some interest in. Concussions and brain donations are pulling everyone’s attention this week, and for good reason.


Yep, you heard us right; brain donations. Former and current NFL players are pledging to donate their brains and spinal cord tissue to concussion research. This, of course, occurring after their deaths. The donations will help the Boston University School of Medicine study Traumatic Encephalopathy.


The NFL, after congressional hearings on the topic of concussions, took many big steps this year to prevent head injuries to players. Helmet-to-Helmet collisions are strictly prohibited, and the NFL was enforcing the rule stronger than any other this season.


The NFL also prohibited players from participating in practices, or playing in games if they showed any symptoms of a concussion.


The league's steps included stricter return-to-play guidelines detailing what symptoms preclude someone from participating in games or practices; a mandate that each team select a league- and union-approved independent neurologist to be consulted when players get concussions; and the departure of the two co-chairmen of the NFL's committee on brain trauma. – LATimes


Of the players that have pledged to donate their brain and spinal cord tissue are Sean Morey of the Cardinals, Matt Birk of the Ravens, and Lofa Tatupu of the Seahawks, as well as Hall of Famer Mike Haynes and current Chicago Bears linebacker Hunter Hillenmeyer.


Source: http://www.latimes.com/sports/football/nfl/wire/sns-ap-fbn-nfl-concussio...