How a 12-Ounce Layer of Foam Changed the NFL
Even the makers of the Guardian Cap admit it looks silly. But for a sport facing an existential brain-injury crisis, once unthinkable solutions have now become almost normal.
Late in his team’s game against the Green Bay Packers on September 15, Indianapolis Colts tight end Kylen Granson caught a short pass over the middle of the field, charged forward, and lowered his body to brace for contact. The side of his helmet smacked the face mask of linebacker Quay Walker, and the back of it whacked the ground as Walker wrestled him down. Rising to his feet after the 9-yard gain, Granson tossed the football to an official and returned to the line of scrimmage for the next snap.
Aside from it being his first reception of the 2024 National Football League season, this otherwise ordinary play was only noteworthy because of what Granson was wearing at the time of the hit: a 12-ounce, foam-padded, protective helmet covering called a Guardian Cap.
Already mandatory for most positions at all NFL preseason practices, as well as regular-season and postseason practices with contact, these soft shells received another vote of confidence this year when the league greenlit them for optional game use, citing a roughly 50 percent drop in training camp concussions since their official 2022 debut. Through six weeks of action this fall, only 10 NFL players had actually taken the field with one on, according to a league spokesperson. But the decision was easy for Granson, who tried out his gameday Guardian Cap—itself covered by a 1-ounce pinnie with the Colts logo to simulate the design of the helmet underneath—in preseason games before committing to wear it for real.
Article
What is CTE?
The Hidden Danger of Contact Sports: Understanding Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE)
Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) is a degenerative brain disease that has gained significant attention in recent years due to its alarming connection to contact sports, particularly American football. CTE is a silent killer, often masquerading as other conditions, and its devastating consequences have left countless families shattered. In this article, we will delve into the world of CTE, exploring its causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and the dangers associated with this insidious disease.
What is CTE?
CTE is a progressive brain disease caused by repetitive head trauma, leading to the buildup of abnormal tau protein in the brain. This protein accumulation triggers a cascade of events that ultimately result in brain cell death and tissue damage. CTE was first identified in 2002 by Dr. Bennet Omalu, a forensic pathologist, in the brain of former Pittsburgh Steelers player Mike Webster.
Causes and risk Factors
CTE is primarily associated with contact sports, including:
American Football: The repeated blows to the head sustained by players, especially linemen and linebackers, increase the risk of developing CTE.
Ice Hockey: checks to the head and body can lead to concussions and subconcussive hits.
Soccer: Heading the ball can cause repeated head trauma.
Rugby: Full-contact tackles and collisions increase the risk.
Boxing and Mixed martial arts (MMA): Repeated blows to the head are inherent to these sports.
Other risk factors include:
Concussions: A single severe Concussion or multiple mild concussions can contribute to CTE.
Subconcussive hits: Repeated blows that don't cause immediate symptoms can still lead to CTE.
Genetic predisposition: Some individuals may be more susceptible to CTE due to genetic factors.
Age: CTE can affect individuals of aLL ages, but symptoms often manifest later in life.
Symptoms
CTE symptoms can vary in severity and may not appear until years or even decades after the initial head trauma. Common symptoms include:
Memory loss: Difficulty recalling recent events or learning new information.
Mood changes: depression, anxiety, irritability, and mood swings.
Personality changes: Impulsivity, emotional instability, and erratic behavior.
executive function decline: Difficulty with decision-making, planning, and organization.
Motor function impairment: Tremors, difficulty with balance and coordination.
Sleep disturbances: Insomnia or excessive sleepiness.
Suicidal thoughts: CTE has been linked to an increased risk of suicidal behavior.
Diagnosis
Diagnosing CTE is challenging, as symptoms can mimic other conditions, such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Currently, CTE can only be definitively diagnosed after death, through an autopsy and brain tissue analysis.
Researchers are working to develop biomarkers and imaging tests to diagnose CTE in living individuals. These include:
Tau protein imaging: PET scans to detect abnormal tau protein in the brain.
MRI and DTI: Magnetic resonance imaging and diffusion tensor imaging to assess brain damage.
Biomarkers: Blood and cerebrospinal fluid tests to identify CTE-specific proteins.
Dangers and Consequences
CTE poses significant dangers to athletes, their families, and society as a whole:
Loss of identity: CTE can erase an individual's sense of self and personality.
Strained relationships: Families struggle to cope with the emotional and behavioral changes.
Financial burden: Medical expenses, lost income, and potential long-term care costs.
Increased risk of dementia: CTE increases the risk of developing dementia and Alzheimer's disease.
Suicide risk: CTE has been linked to an increased risk of suicidal behavior.
Prevention and Mitigation
While CTE cannot be completely prevented, steps can be taken to reduce the risk:
Concussion protocols: Implementing and enforcing strict concussion protocols in sports.
Helmet safety: Improving helmet design and safety standards.
Reducing contact: Limiting full-contact practices and games.
education and awareness: Informing athletes, coaches, and parents about CTE risks.
Research and funding: Supporting research into CTE causes, diagnosis, and treatment.
Conclusion
CTE is a devastating disease that has shaken the foundations of contact sports. As our understanding of CTE grows, it is essential to acknowledge the risks and take proactive measures to protect athletes. By promoting education, awareness, and research, we can work towards preventing CTE and ensuring the long-term health and well-being of athletes.
Researchers looked at the brains of deceased individuals under age 30 who had played contact sports. Of 152 former athletes with a history of repetitive head injuries, 63 had CTE. Those with CTE were disproportionately former U.S. football players and were significantly more likely to have played professional football. However, it’s important to note that several well-done, long-term epidemiologic studies have found no difference in neurodegenerative diseases in high school football players compared to those who did not play football.
Parents may look at collision or contact sports like football, ice hockey, rugby and soccer and decide the risk of a concussion or CTE is too great. However, to properly weigh the pros and cons, one must consider the negative impacts of taking children and adolescents out of positive social, physical and emotional activities such as team sports.