The movie Concussion, released in 2015, stars Will Smith as Dr. Bennet Omalu, a Nigerian-American pathologist who made the first discovery of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a brain disease affecting many former NFL players. The film is based on the 2009 GQ article "Game Brain" by Jeanne Marie Laskas, which tells the story of Dr. Omalu's findings and the subsequent controversy with the National Football League (NFL).
The True Story Behind the Movie
Dr. Bennet Omalu was a forensic pathologist in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, when he performed an autopsy on former NFL player Mike Webster in 2002. Webster, a Hall of Fame center who played for the Pittsburgh Steelers, had died suddenly at the age of 50. During the autopsy, Dr. Omalu noticed that Webster’s brain showed signs of significant damage, which he later identified as CTE. This discovery sparked a chain of events that would lead to a deeper understanding of the long-term effects of repeated head trauma on football players.
CTE and Its Effects on NFL Players
CTE is a degenerative brain disease caused by repeated blows to the head, leading to memory loss, depression, anxiety, and even dementia. Dr. Omalu’s findings suggested that many former NFL players were suffering from CTE, which was often misdiagnosed as other conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease or Parkinson’s disease. The movie Concussion highlights the struggles of Dr. Omalu and his colleagues as they worked to raise awareness about CTE and its connection to football.
| Former NFL Player | Diagnosis |
|---|---|
| Mike Webster | CTE |
| Junior Seau | CTE |
| Dave Duerson | CTE |
The movie Concussion also explores the controversy surrounding Dr. Omalu's findings and the NFL's initial response to the discovery of CTE. The league was slow to acknowledge the connection between football and brain damage, and Dr. Omalu faced significant backlash from the NFL and its supporters. However, his persistence and dedication to uncovering the truth ultimately led to a greater understanding of the risks associated with playing football.
The Impact of Concussion on the NFL and Society
The release of the movie Concussion in 2015 coincided with a growing awareness of the risks associated with playing football. The film’s portrayal of Dr. Omalu’s struggles to raise awareness about CTE and the NFL’s response to the issue sparked a national conversation about the safety of the sport. The movie also highlighted the personal costs of playing football, including the struggles of former players and their families to cope with the effects of CTE.
Rule Changes and Safety Protocols
In response to the growing awareness of CTE and its connection to football, the NFL has implemented several rule changes and safety protocols to reduce the risk of head injuries. These include stricter penalties for helmet-to-helmet hits, the use of independent neurotrauma consultants to monitor player safety, and the implementation of concussion protocols to ensure that players are removed from games and practices if they show signs of a head injury.
- Stricter penalties for helmet-to-helmet hits
- Use of independent neurotrauma consultants
- Concussion protocols for players showing signs of head injury
The movie Concussion has also had an impact on society, sparking a broader conversation about the risks and benefits of playing football. While the film's portrayal of the NFL's response to CTE was critical, it also highlighted the importance of football in American culture and the need for a balanced approach to ensuring player safety.
What is CTE and how is it caused?
+CTE, or chronic traumatic encephalopathy, is a degenerative brain disease caused by repeated blows to the head. It is often associated with football players and other athletes who have experienced repeated head trauma.
How has the NFL responded to the issue of CTE?
+The NFL has implemented several rule changes and safety protocols to reduce the risk of head injuries, including stricter penalties for helmet-to-helmet hits and the use of independent neurotrauma consultants to monitor player safety.
What is the impact of the movie Concussion on the NFL and society?
+The movie Concussion has sparked a national conversation about the risks associated with playing football and the need for a balanced approach to ensuring player safety. It has also led to increased awareness and research into CTE and its connection to football.
