The NFL's policy for spotting and subsequently treating head injuries and, more specifically, concussions, remains a tricky subject. On Tuesday, two days after Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger left a game against the Seattle Seahawks with concussion symptoms, Roethlisberger appeared on Sportsradio 93.7 The Fan for the #1 Cochran Ben Roethlisberger Show and said that he didn't have a concussion, but instead a "traumatic ocular migraine." Only an hour or so later, Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin met with the media and said that Big Ben did, in fact, suffer a concussion against Seattle. If you're feeling a little confused, like Rams quarterback Case Keenum after a big hit, you're not alone.
But whether or not Roethlisberger had a concussion or some other gradation of head injury isn't important. What is important is that Roethlisberger self-reported his symptoms, perhaps the first time in the history of a league built on the ideals of masculinity and perceived invincibility that such a high-profile player has done so. Just as importantly, Roethlisberger, while appearing on his Tuesday radio show, said that he's willing to play through any number of injuries - head-related injuries just aren't among them.
"I have played through many injuries but the brain is not an injury you want to play with," Roethlisberger said, per CBS Pittsburgh.
Roethlisberger went on to question the notion that players are somehow weaker if they come out of the game. He said that at the time of the injury, his "peripheral vision looked as if he was looking through water" and that doctors told him they couldn't let him go back in because he'd likely be unable to protect himself well enough.
Ben said that for the first time in his career, his thoughts turned to his family.
"When you're done you want to be a husband or father, and if I have these brain injuries it's not worth it," Roethlisberger said.
Roethlisberger is hopeful of playing this Sunday against the Indianapolis Colts and the team will sorely need his services as their 39-30 loss to Seattle put them in a difficult spot where the playoffs are concerned.
Still, Roethlisberger did the right thing on Sunday reporting his symptoms and, hopefully, set an example other players in the league will follow.
