On September 3rd, 2025, an NFL webinar, “From Sunday Primetime to Friday Night Lights: Player Health and Safety at Every Level, “ brought together healthcare leaders and a football coach to talk about how the game is changing. Dr. Allen Sills, Chief Medical Officer of the NFL, was joined by Dr. Jay Clugston of the University of Florida, Dr. Alex Diamond of Vanderbilt University, Chad Pennington, Head Coach at Sayre School, and Collin Francis, Associate Athletic Director at Howard University.
During the call, the panelists described how football is working to better track and protect player safety. Dr. Allen Sills noted that Guardian Caps have been associated with a reported 50% reduction in concussions during practices, whilst also acknowledging there is contrary data published. Others pointed out that the league’s much-debated kickoff rule change has been linked to a 43% decrease in kickoff-related concussions, contributing to a 17% overall decline in concussions. Panelists also emphasized that emergency action plans are now being actively rehearsed across all levels of play, and highlighted how initiatives such as Tennessee’s SAFE STARS program are setting higher standards for youth sports safety.
These are real wins for athletes. Equipment and rule changes are making a difference, and culture is shifting as players begin to look out for each other by reporting possible concussions. But as the panelists acknowledged, concussions will never disappear entirely. Prevention can only go so far. Improvements in concussion diagnosis are also needed.
That’s where a challenge remains. Athletes still underreport symptoms, and sideline evaluations still rely too heavily on observation and reporting. With that gap, too many concussions can go unrecognized.
Key Findings from the Webinar
- Preventive Measures Work, But Don’t Solve Everything: The NFL saw a 50% reduction in concussions with Guardian Caps, even though independent studies remain mixed.
- Rule Changes Can Reduce Risk: Adjusting gameplay, like the kickoff rule, cut concussion rates significantly, 43% fewer from kickoffs and 17% fewer overall.
- Preparedness Saves Lives: Emergency rehearsals, EMT involvement, and medical action plans are becoming standard, ensuring faster response in critical moments.
- Safety Standards Are Rising: Programs like SAFE STARS provide Bronze, Silver, and Gold certifications for youth leagues that meet defined safety protocols.
- Culture is Shifting, Slowly: More athletes are reporting suspected concussions on behalf of teammates, but underreporting remains a major barrier to accurate diagnosis.
As football and youth sports evolve, equipment and rules will continue to make play safer, but improved diagnostics are also needed. EyeBOX®, Oculogica’s FDA-cleared eye-tracking test, ensures that when concussions happen, athletes get the timely, objective evaluation they need.