Concussions and the future of the NFL (1 Viewer)

[Zigg]

I find something very odd about concussions and the difference in time missed between the NFL and other sports. I could be wrong, but I can't think of many players missing multiple games due to concussions. Conversely, players in the NHL/MLB have missed almost entire seasons because of them. Not just mediocre players either, MVPs Justin Morneau and the face of the NHL Sidney Crosby have missed extended time.

I guess the question I'm asking is why don't NFL players ever miss more time because of concussions.

Once again, I apologize if I missed a player(s) who missed extended time.

 

[cobalt_27]

I find something very odd about concussions and the difference in time missed between the NFL and other sports. I could be wrong, but I can't think of many players missing multiple games due to concussions. Conversely, players in the NHL/MLB have missed almost entire seasons because of them. Not just mediocre players either, MVPs Justin Morneau and the face of the NHL Sidney Crosby have missed extended time.I guess the question I'm asking is why don't NFL players ever miss more time because of concussions.Once again, I apologize if I missed a player(s) who missed extended time.

I'm just spit-balling here, but one of the emerging factors in concussion susceptibility is, of all things, neck strength. The stronger the neck muscles, the less the whiplash impact of coup-contracoup brain v. skull injuries. I assume NFL players (and boxers, for instance) have stronger neck muscles than NHL players, so this could be a factor.I also think you get so many hits on the side of the head in hockey from checks against the board and elbows to the side of the head (and inferior head gear) that the site of impact has an effect as well (again, could be contribution of weaker lateral neck muscles, as opposed to posterior side).Again, mostly conjecture, but I do know this is what's being discussed in neurosurgery/neuropsychology/neurology circles.