The NFL will reportedly share concussion data with helmet companies to create helmets that are specified for certain positions to minimize concussions in the league, according to NFL reporter Ian Rapoport.
NFL concussions were down 25 percent at the end of last season, according to the Associated Press. The league has made improvements with rules and equipment over the past decade, but concussions are still a major issue. In a recent study 87 out of 91 former NFL players tested positive for brain disease adding to the concern over concussions in football.
The NFL has attempted to take away the targeting of players, and blatant helmet-to-helmet hits through fines and penalties. There have been 38 concussions in the NFL this year, and certain positions have seen higher numbers, according to PBS Frontline. Wide receivers, tight ends, offensive tackles, quarterbacks, linebackers, and cornerbacks account for the majority of these concussions with 29 between them.
The cornerback position seems the most vulnerable, as that position has seen eight players suffer concussions this season. Players that play and hit with force and speed seem to be the most vulnerable to head trauma injuries.
It will be interesting to see what type of new helmets the NFL and partnered companies come out with after sharing data. Even with the rule changes, the league will need to continue to adapt its equipment, as concussions are still a large part of the sport.
