Attorney at Graves McLain Injury Lawyers
Practice Areas: Car Accidents, Medical Malpractice, Vaccine Injuries
Football is a beloved sport nationwide, particularly in high schools and colleges. But behind the cheers and Friday night lights, there’s a serious concern that’s hard to ignore—traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries. These injuries can have lasting consequences and often go unnoticed until it’s too late. Understanding the risks and knowing what to look for can make all the difference for players, parents, coaches, and schools.
Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) happen when a blow to the head disrupts normal brain function. A concussion is the most common type of TBI and is often seen in contact sports like football. Symptoms can range from mild, such as headaches or dizziness, to more severe, including confusion and memory loss.
Spinal cord injuries (SCI) involve damage to the spinal cord that can affect movement and sensation. In football, these injuries often occur during tackles or when players fall hard. Depending on the severity, they can lead to long-term issues, including paralysis.
Both types of injuries are serious and can change a person’s life in an instant. In football, where players frequently engage in physical contact, the risk is significantly higher than in many other sports.
Between 2005 and 2014, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) conducted a study that revealed some alarming data about injuries in student football.
Between 2005 and 2014, the CDC recorded 28 fatalities from traumatic brain or spinal cord injuries among student football players. Nearly one-fifth of those deaths followed an earlier concussion.
The study also showed that most of these injuries happened during games, not practices. Players who were either tackling or being tackled faced the highest risk of injury. Running backs and linebackers were the most commonly affected positions.
Category | Statistic |
| Total student fatalities (TBI or SCI) | 28 |
| Average football-related deaths/year | 3 |
| Deaths preceded by earlier concussion | 18% |
| Annual college football injuries | 47,199 |
| Annual TBI/neck injuries in college | 2,317 |
| Total high school football players | 1.1 million |
| Total college football players | 750,000 |
| Most affected positions | Running backs, linebackers |
Young players, especially in high school, are more vulnerable to these injuries. Their brains are still developing, and repeated hits can have a bigger impact than they would on adults. High school programs may also lack resources, such as certified athletic trainers or strict injury protocols.
Some schools don’t have medical personnel on the field during practices. Equipment may not be up to date. In some cases, players are allowed to return to the game too soon after sustaining a head injury. All of these issues can increase the chances of long-term harm.
Safety can’t remove all risk, but it plays a significant role in preventing serious injuries. Coaches, parents, and players must remain vigilant and take necessary precautions.
Any athlete showing signs of concussion should be removed from play immediately and not return until evaluated and cleared by a healthcare provider. — CDC Heads Up Program.
Key safety measures include proper tackling techniques, having certified trainers on-site, enforcing return-to-play protocols, maintaining equipment, and encouraging players to report any symptoms. Taking these steps early can help reduce the risk of lasting harm.
After a big hit on the field, it’s essential to know what to look for. A player might say they feel “off,” or they might not say anything at all. Knowing the symptoms helps everyone—from teammates to parents—respond quickly.
These symptoms can appear immediately or develop over time. In either case, the athlete should be evaluated by a doctor right away.
While football is a contact sport, that doesn’t mean injuries are always just part of the game. In some cases, injuries happen because someone failed to follow proper procedures—like not removing a player after a suspected concussion or skipping medical evaluations.
If a coach, trainer, or school ignored safety protocols, there might be grounds for a legal claim. Every case is different, and outcomes depend on specific facts.
The outcome of any case depends on its specific facts. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.
Laws around sports injuries vary by state. In Oklahoma, personal injury claims involving negligence must be carefully reviewed to determine whether duty of care was breached.
The effects of a TBI or SCI don’t always end when the season does. Repeated concussions have been linked to chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a condition that affects mood, memory, and brain function over time.
Nearly 40% of former NFL players show signs of lasting brain injury, making long-term player safety a growing concern. — CDC.
Many retired athletes report depression, trouble focusing, and changes in behavior—issues that can be traced back to their playing years. This illustrates the importance of early care and injury prevention.
A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is any brain dysfunction caused by an external force, like a tackle or hit. In football, it often shows up as a concussion but can also include more severe brain trauma.
Yes, high school players are still developing physically and mentally. Their risk of long-term complications is higher, especially if injuries aren’t treated properly or go unnoticed.
Watch for symptoms such as sudden neck pain, numbness, weakness in the limbs, or difficulty moving. These signs mean a player should stop immediately and be evaluated by a medical professional.
Sometimes. If a school or coach fails to follow concussion protocols, ignores safety complaints, or doesn’t provide medical help when needed, it could be considered negligence.
Remove the player from the game immediately and have them seek medical attention. They should not return to play until a licensed medical provider clears them.
Football will always be part of American culture, but so should the conversation around player safety. Traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries in high school and college. Athletes remain a serious issue—and one that requires better prevention, faster response, and continued awareness.
If you or your child has suffered a brain or spinal cord injury due to unsafe conditions, Graves McLain Injury Lawyers can help you understand your legal rights. Our team reviews each case with care and compassion, and there’s never a fee unless we recover compensation.
To learn more, reach out for a free case evaluation. We’re here to support you every step of the way.
When injury victims need a law firm with a reputation for excellence, turn to Graves McLain Injury Lawyers. We are a top-rated personal injury firm determined to be the best. With decades of award-winning representation, our clients recover the compensation they need to put their lives back together.
