The 2024 NFL season made headlines for all the right reasons- not for a game-winning touchdown or a mind-blowing trick play, but for something even bigger: player safety. This season saw the fewest concussions since the league started tracking them in 2015, proving that the NFL’s push for better equipment, stricter rules, and a culture shift is paying off.
Let’s look at the various steps taken and reasons for being one of the safest seasons.
Concussions Drop To Record Low
The NFL documented 182 concussions across all preseason and regular season games and practices in 2024, a 17% drop from the previous year. This marks the lowest total since the league started tracking head injuries, reinforcing its commitment to protecting players. NFL executive Jeff Miller called it “a milestone year,” while chief medical officer Dr. Allen Sills reiterated that player health remains a top priority.
The NFL this season recorded its fewest number of concussions since it began tracking the data in 2015, the league announced Thursday.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 30, 2025
Story via @SeifertESPN:https://t.co/lZ8ieQjZfM
What’s Behind The Decline?
Several factors contributed to this significant drop. The league reshaped concussion management and prevention by improving equipment, enforcing safety protocols, and prioritizing player well-being.
Advanced Helmet Technology
One of the most impactful changes was the increased adoption of position-specific helmets. The number of players switching to these helmets rose by 35%, significantly reducing the force of impacts and lowering the risk of head injuries. These helmets, designed to protect against the unique types of collisions faced by different positions, proved to be a game-changer.
Stricter NFL Safety Protocols
The NFL’s commitment to safety wasn’t limited to equipment. Rule changes aimed at eliminating dangerous plays also played a vital role. The league continued penalizing avoidable head contact, reinforcing that reckless hits would not be tolerated.
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Increased Awareness And Self-Reporting
The league saw a rise in players voluntarily reporting concussion symptoms, with self-reports climbing to 41%. This shift reflects a growing awareness among athletes, who are now prioritizing their health over pushing through potential injuries. Additionally, of all players evaluated for concussions, 28% were diagnosed with one- highlighting the league’s rigorous monitoring and assessment process.
The New NFL Kickoff Rule: Mixed Results
While the overall concussion numbers declined, the league’s new kickoff rule produced mixed results. The number of concussions on kickoffs remained unchanged at eight. However, due to a rise in return attempts, the injury rate actually dropped. This suggests progress in reducing high-impact collisions, but the league will continue evaluating further improvements.
Here's a good snapshot of NFL concussion data over the years, via the @NFL, culminating in today's record low. There were no preseason games in 2020, accounting for that lower number. pic.twitter.com/gwpHEtXLED
— Kevin Seifert (@SeifertESPN) January 30, 2025
Future Plans For NFL Player Safety
Despite this milestone, the NFL acknowledges that its work is far from done. Sills emphasized that the competition committee will keep reviewing ways to eliminate unnecessary head contact. “We’ve spoken very publicly about our desire to see head contact continue to get out of the game, avoidable head contact,” he stated.
As the league looks ahead, ongoing advancements in technology, safety protocols, and player education will be key to further reducing head injuries. The record-low concussions in 2024 mark a positive step forward, but the mission to make football safer continues.
Also Read: What Questions Does The NFL Face After The Latest Tua Tagovailoa’s Concussion Incident?
