Notorious for its string of health-related controversies, the National Football League took a step in the right direction this weekend that not a lot of people may have noticed.
In a historic victory to clinch the NFC North, the Detroit Lions played their hearts out against the Minnesota Vikings on December 24, 30-24. This win marked the first time since their 1993 season. The team’s success came down to holding onto the ball longer and forcing the Vikings offense to struggle.
Lions safety, Kerby Joseph had a stellar game. He led the stats in this win with six tackles, three assists and two interceptions. After an unnecessary roughness penalty on Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson, Joseph walked off the field woozily. This meant that obviously Joseph would be heading into the concussion protocol.
The NFL sideline concussion assessment is not a quick procedure to do. First, the player gets assessed for the “No-Go” criteria that would automatically get them taken out of the game. These criteria include loss of consciousness, ataxia, confusion and amnesia).
If they don’t meet these criteria, more testing continues. There’s inquiries about the history of the event, including before, during and after the suspected mechanism of injury.
They then review the concussion signs and symptoms and all Maddocks’ questions. After that, there is a complete video review of the injury including discussion with the Booth UNC. Finally, there’s a few more tests to “double check” the player is good to go.
Needless to say, this is a long process worth keeping an eye on players playing such a tough sport.
Kerby Joseph’s hit expressed concern for him to be evaluated for a concussion. However, when he tried to come back into the game earlier than necessary, the NFL made sure they caught it.
Considering he put up great numbers in that game, the urge to get back out on the field was strong. The medical officials called to the field and had Joseph sit out until he was cleared to play.
Though this was probably a two minute interaction, I think it’s an incredible step in the right direction for the NFL to take its health and safety protocols more seriously.
First & Jenn 
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