The Effects of Concussions on the NFL For many years, the NFL was considered one of the most painful and dangerous sports played in the United States. But is it too dangerous? The increasing number of concussions is shocking. NFL analysts suggest a 14 percent increase in concussions for 2013. Player safety rules have also been incorporated into the official rules. The three main effects that concussions have on the NFL today are the big hits, the big plays, and the defensive play played today. The NFL is known for its horrible knockouts on players, but the increasing number of concussions has robbed players of being I can't make these kinds of plays anymore! After the 2011 trial, the NFL realized that new player safety rules needed to be implemented in the NFL rulebook. Rules such as no crown on crown on the helmet outside the tackling zone have removed the element of "big hits" in a football game. 1Redskin safety Brandon Meriwether was fined $42,000 for a helmet-to-helmet hit on Packers running back Eddie Lacey. Thank God for technology, because in the 1940s, football was played with leather helmets. The NFL also established a new rule that every NFL team must have a neurologist stationed on the sideline for every official game. Jet player Jeremy Kerley suffered a mind-boggling injury in week one. Kerley passed the mandatory concussion evaluation and returned to the team shortly after. Suddenly, the very next day, Jeremy was diagnosed with a concussion. I agree with the saying “make the team,” but playing with a concussion is like playing with fire. Some heavy hitters in the NFL are considered dirty players because of their crushing tackles. Many coaches like to blame big hits for...... middle of paper ...... grams such as bigger, faster and stronger, there is no way to prevent concussions from occurring. I still watch and love football today, but part of me doesn't think the defensive game is the same simply because of the concussions. Although I believe football should still be played in today's society, many people view the game differently because of concussions. I don't agree with the idea of ​​injuring players, but some of the calls made this year regarding tackles have made my jaw drop several times. The effects of concussions on big hits, big plays and defensive style of play have changed the NFL for the worse. I understand that referees have to make the right decisions, but in many cases players execute perfect technique and still get penalized. Although the NFL game is played at a high level, I think the concussions have taken some of the intensity away from the players..