Various NFL players proclaim that since retiring they've had symptoms of substance abuse, depression, memory loss, body motor disturbances, and also some accounts of suicide were reported. Thus, concerns of the NFL's concussion protocol system were questioned on whether it truly provides safety for athletes in the long run. .
In 2011, the NFL led an investigation against the Cleveland Browns concerning the handling of a concussion their quarterback Colt McCoy had received. He sustained the concussion from a hard helmet to helmet hit from an opposing player. After the hit, the Browns put McCoy through concussion protocol, which he supposedly passed, allowing him to return to the field. Soon after the incident the NFL Players Association met with the Browns' medical staff and discussed the team's response and treatment of the quarterback's injury. The meeting exposed some previously unaddressed issues tied to the concussion policies with a high concern on how to improve safety regulations regarding head trauma to the players (Pickett). The protocol was so weak in previous years that approximately two thousand former professional football players were jointly suing the NFL over safety policies related to concussions. The ex-players said that the league misinformed them about the long term health risks of concussions and did not take enough steps to avoid damage. Several mention brain issues like Alzheimer's, and other forms of dementia such as CTE, to be caused by head injuries during previous games (Pickett). The National Football league claims it cannot be sued for safety risks since the safety issues are precisely covered in the players' union contract. .
Junior Seau was one of the national football league's fiercest linebackers for nearly twenty seasons. He played for three professional teams and became a twelve time pro bowl selection, including eight all-pro selections during his tenure.
