Opinion: The NFL Must Step Up After Damar Hamlin’s Incident
Opinion: The NFL Must Step Up After Damar Hamlin’s Incident The regular NFL season is a rollercoaster of highs and lows, from game-changing injuries to historic victories. We all remember Aaron Rodgers’ day one Achilles injury or the Jets’ triumph over the Eagles, but amid the excitement, we often overlook the life-altering moments that shape the NFL.
When Football Gets Real: A Wakeup Call on the Field
On Jan. 2, 2023, Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin experienced more than a potential career-ending accident; he suffered a cardiac arrest mid-game against the Cincinnati Bengals. It wasn’t just about the game; it was a matter of life or death. As the sports world held its breath, the Bills-Bengals game was suspended, and players from both teams united in an unexpected timeout for prayer on the field.
Several days later, Hamlin woke from his coma, turning a traumatic incident into a pivotal moment for players, coaches, and fans. It served as a reminder that beyond the tackles and touchdowns, football players are real people with lives and families. In the heat of the game, we forget they’re human. Despite the physical nature of football, player safety should always be the top priority.
Protecting the Future: A New Generation at Risk
This is crucial, especially with the surge in young quarterbacks in the NFL. According to Pro Football Reference, the average age of starting quarterbacks dropped from 30.3 in 2017 to 27.9 in 2023—the most significant decrease in a six-year span since 1950. Players like Zach Wilson and Anthony Richardson, under 25, face the risk of serious injuries that could impact their lives both on and off the field.
Hamlin made a triumphant return in October against the Miami Dolphins, but the significance of the moment was overshadowed by the game’s results—a 48-20 victory for the Bills.
Safety First? The NFL’s Response
Despite Hamlin’s incident, tangible changes within the NFL to prevent similar injuries have been minimal. NFL agent Tara Di Luca argues that Hamlin’s cardiac arrest was unavoidable and doesn’t necessitate specific changes.
In 2023, VICIS helmets were introduced to all 32 NFL teams to address concussions, and the league updated its helmet rule to minimize head impact. Guardian Caps are now mandatory during practices, reducing the force of impact during helmet hits.
NFL agent Stephen Vanyo suggests more grass fields to prevent injuries, a potential next focus for the NFLPA. However, questions arise about increased medical staff and routine health checks, especially for players with underlying health conditions.
The Real MVPs: Players’ Safety and the Spotlight Struggle
In the ongoing conversation about player safety, Damar Hamlin seems forgotten. While he fights to stay relevant through his charity, the Chasing M’s Foundation, the NFL appears more focused on entertaining fans than addressing safety concerns.
Football may be entertaining, but the physical toll on players like Hamlin is undeniable. As the NFL evolves, prioritizing player safety is not just a passing trend—it’s a necessity._
