This Sunday, as the country tunes in for Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans, a vital conversation is emerging about the effects of football on brain health. Medical experts and former NFL players are shedding light on this important issue.
At Duke University, researchers are using a holistic approach to study brain health through the Sports Performance Initiative. Dr. Harry Stafford emphasizes the need to reach younger athletes to teach them about concussion signs and proper nutrition.
“We know that head injuries matter, but there’s so much we still don’t understand about when they start and how they can affect a person long-term,” Dr. Stafford explained. “Our goal is to stop these injuries before they happen.”
The initiative aims to lower the chances of athletes developing serious conditions like Alzheimer’s or dementia later in life. They focus particularly on Black males who face double the risk of Alzheimer’s compared to their white counterparts, according to the Alzheimer’s Association.
Dr. Stafford noted that many young athletes, especially those in middle school, are already experiencing significant trauma from hard hits in the games. “The sooner we can reach these kids, the better their chances are at avoiding long-term issues,” he said.
The initiative works closely with schools in Durham, Orange, and Wake counties, aiming to educate players and their families about brain health.
“By the time kids reach college-level football, they’ve had top-notch education and equipment. But what about the younger ones who might be using outdated gear?” he asked. “We need to focus our efforts on younger athletes.”
Former UNC and NFL running back Shaun Draughn supports this initiative. He jokes that he’ll root for the blue of Duke this time around due to the cause. “Your body can handle injuries during play, but when it’s over, you need your brain to function,” he said.
Draughn highlighted a shared concern among athletes about how slowly brain health issues can manifest. “Physical injuries show up right away, but brain health can sneak up on you,” he explained. “There’s definitely a connection between the trauma faced during play and mental health struggles.”
Former NFL player Robert Turner, now a sociologist, collaborates with Dr. Stafford. After his book, “Not for Long: The Life and Career of the NFL Athlete,” he wanted to understand why some athletes, especially Black males, are at a higher risk for enduring brain health problems.
Turner found that mental well-being plays a significant role in overall brain health. “Many researchers focus only on the brain itself, but as a former athlete, I realized nothing happens in isolation. We need to consider how attitudes and beliefs also shape health outcomes,” he said.
Together with Stafford, Turner aims to reach Black athletes, spreading the message: “You are not alone.” He also pointed out the stigma surrounding mental health, especially in athletics. “How does a hero ask for help?” he pondered.
Turner’s work has gained support from prominent figures in the NFL and the NFL Alumni Association. For the past four years, he has co-hosted the Black Men’s Brain Health Conference around the Super Bowl, with backing from various organizations, including the Alzheimer’s Association and the National Institute on Aging.
This year, the conference will be held on February 4th and 5th in New Orleans, with a pre-conference meeting on the 3rd. For those unable to attend, they can join via free livestream.
“Understanding this issue goes beyond just professional athletes. Many active individuals have concerns about their brain health, and we want to be a resource for everyone,” Turner stated.
He added, “The conference is unique as it fosters dialogue and lets participants know they are not alone.”
This year, the event will partner with Xavier University of Louisiana, which is set to open its first medical college. This collaboration marks a significant milestone as it’s the first time a Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) is involved in the event.
Participants can also access resources from previous conferences on the BMBH site.