Fame, stardom, wealth, and millions of adoring fans, it’s tragic how these studded superheroes won’t recollect their glamorous time in the spotlight. The NFL predicts one third of its players will develop cognitive implications after they retire says the Sportster. However, Carrie Underwood fails to mention these chronic illnesses every Sunday night as her commercial parades across national television. Her sexy, glamorous appeal distracts the viewer from the problem at hand, the players and their safety.
“Waiting all day for Sunday night,” sings Underwood as twenty-two million fans turn to their TV’s for their weekly football fix.
As the commercial begins Underwood struts out on stage, calling fans attention with her popular reputation. The star has perfect makeup and luscious blonde hair, turning heads as she invites the American public to watch the throw down between teams.
https://www.google.com/search?q=nfl+concussions&espv
In addition to Underwood, multiple quarterbacks appear on the screen ready to take the field. However, film of intense hits, tackles, and collisions seem to be absent from view. It seems controversial that the safest players on the field are always in the spot light, presenting a false sense of safety for watching fans.
ESPN reports that concussions increased by fifty-eight percent in 2015. Have these players been sidelined? It’s hard to tell because as soon as a player is injured the program breaks for commercial, reminding fans that Sunday night is the best.
Am I saying that Underwood’s commercial “throws” injuries under the radar?
Of course it does. The commercial creates an almost too good to be true sensation, a night full of competition, star players, and a catchy theme song. The video does its job; it excites fans and distracts them from the injured player. However, this form of diversion is disturbing. The commercial is glossing over players and the diseases that could result from their injuries.
These neurological illnesses range from CTE, Alzheimer’s, and ALS. All can be linked to repeated and untreated head injury. When a player endures repetitive hits, a protein can form in their brain, discusses the BIRI. The institute goes on to elaborate that memory loss, aggression, and dementia can result from years of collisions.
The fact that CBS News reports that eighty-seven out of ninety-one tested ex NFL players had CTE is alarming and as dedicated fans we need to be concerned.
Recently this issue came to a head so to speak, as the NFL pursues settlements for five thousand lawsuits with previous players, reports CNN. Nate Beeler, a graphic artist from the Columbus Dispatch illustrates the controversial scenario.
http://concussionconspiracy.weebly.com/
“Were taking the issues of concussions very seriously.”
The sarcastic phrase leads fans to doubt that the NFL is even concerned with player health. The protection of the piggy bank over the player is distressing, giving the impression that one’s life is below the mighty dollar. We as a nation need to call the NFL out on this insanity.
The picture is worth a thousand concerns. Such as why profits are valued more than player health, and why myself and football fans across the nation should continue to support such deception?
Not only is the “Sunday night” commercial a facade regarding player safety, it encourages its viewers to ignore injured players. During no point in the video is a player hurt, or on the side lines. The commercial only promotes star players by surrounding them with screaming fans, not the injured athletes who have been walked off the field by trainers.
http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/nfl-no-indications-cam-newton-suffered-concussion-article-1.2784603
In the case of Cam Newton, he should have had a trainer escort. On Thursday September 15th, the Panther’s quarter back took multiple hits to the head without being pulled from the game. Only one flag was called on the opposing team says USA Today; the rest of the collisions went without punishment.
Once again, the NFL is showing its blatant lack of respect for player safety. How long will it take before the league puts player safety first? Former NFL players such as Junior Seau, have committed suicide because of CTE caused depression describes CNN.
When will enough be enough?
In any sport safety should and must come first. No player should ever have to die for the love of the game. As a dedicated spectator I challenge every NFL fan no matter what team you affiliate with to support player absence until their safety is guaranteed.
No athlete should ever end up like Fred McNeill; a man with an all-star career but a life changing retirement, full of anger issues and mental decay. CNN reports how his wife describes his mental decline and the devastating affects it had on their family.
http://www.cnn.com/2016/02/04/health/fred-mcneill-cte-football-player/
Unfortunately, McNeill and his family were unaware of the effects of head trauma until it was too late. However, with growing knowledge of concussions and CTE it is possible that a solution can be met.
When I mean solution, I am not referring to the minimal adjustments to the NFL rule book made this year. The changes were made to subdue concerns not solve the problem. In the same sense that the commercial soothes concerned fans when their favorite player is down. The feed from the game stops and an excited Carrie Underwood is there to distract you from your worries.
Do you want your favorite player, son, or nephew, to end up like Fred McNeil or Cam Newton, unprotected and supported in their time of need?
Stand up for player safety in the NFL. Do not let a super star with great vocals distract you from life threatening injury. It is a right that every athlete should be guaranteed. The NFL needs to be putting money towards cures and prevention instead of funding continuous law suites.
If brain injury can be prevented, lives will be saved, money will be conserved, and in the long run all parties will significantly benefit. However, until this is achieved, NFL fans must unite in the fight against flashy deception in order to realize what truly matters, players and their safety.