Konstantinos Pelechrinis, Ronald Yurko, and Sam Ventura

Concussions and their long-term impact on NFL players have made big headlines during the last few years, and for good reason. According to official statistics over the past six seasons, approximately 250–260 concussions are diagnosed every season in the NFL, with about 18–20 happening during punt plays, according to data provided by the league. Given that there are about 35,000 exposures—plays—every season, this corresponds to about a 0.7% probability of concussion in every play (assuming a single injury per play).¹ The NFL has made attempts in recent seasons to make the game safer, as have various collegiate leagues, through both using innovative player equipment technology and rule changes that promote or create incentives for safer play.

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