In Light of The NFL Concussion Settlement: Is Playing Football Worth It?

As reported late last week, a $765 million settlement was reached between players who sued the league over concussion related injuries.  $675 million of the $765 million will be used to compensate former players and families of deceased players (ESPN).  For current football players at all levels of the game, this settlement is arguably encouraging, as the NFL clearly understands the future side effects and trauma players can endure from football related injuries.  But for players already suffering from debilitating and traumatic brain injuries, this settlement is too little and too late. 

Junior Seau for the San Diego Chargers

Just last year we saw Junior Seau, one of the best linebackers in the NFL in the 1990's and early 2000's, take his own life shortly after being diagnosed with CTE. CTE, an acronym for chronic traumatic encephalopathy, has been found in the autopsies of several other deceased former-NFL players.  Although there is still much more research to be done on CTE, there is definitely some link between head drama, collisions, and CTE.  Not only are former NFL players suffering from CTE, but also dementia and Alzheimers.  In the recent $765 settlement, the NFL said it would award up to $5 million to former players with Alzheimers, $4 million to those with CTE, and $4 million to those with dementia. On the surface, these settlements may seem generous, but in actuality, they're a slap in the face.  These former player's won't recover from these brain diseases, and despite being able to afford the best treatment available, their quality of life will only continue to decline. 

As research continues to pour in and former NFL players continue to suffer, current football players at all levels will have to decide: is playing football worth it?  Football presents itself with an interesting opportunity cost: discounting future utility for present utility.  Is it worth it to play a game that you love to play if it will adversely affect one's mental health and quality of life in the future? In recent year's players like Barry Sanders have walked away from the game at a young age, arguably to avoid taking a beating on the field that would hurt them down the line.  I'm interested to see if many current and future players follow in his footsteps and stop the damage before it's too late.