UNC sports medicine doctor discusses player safety and head injuries after football concussions return to the spotlight

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RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) — Concerns about concussions in football are back at the forefront after Miami Dolphins star quarterback Tua Tagovailoa suffered his third head injury of his NFL career last week.

In North Carolina, concussion protections for high school athletes have existed for more than a decade.

“The Gfeller-Waller Law here in North Carolina has revolutionized the way we handle concussions in high school athletes,” said Dr. Aaron Leininger, who specializes in sports medicine for UNC Health.

The law includes guidance for when players can return the field after sustaining a concussion.

Sacajawea Gray, whose son plays football for Millbrook High School, said, “He had to be checked out several times and he had to pass several different tests before he was able to play again.”

While Tagovailoa’s injury, his third concussion in the last 24 months, sparked debate on whether the 26-year-old play caller should hang up his cleats, Leininger says most concussions don’t carry long-term risk.

“The good news is the vast majority of concussions, even second or third, carry no long-term risk,” he said. “Most people in their 40’s have had a concussion or two.”

But in rare instances, Leininger says concussions can mean the end of a playing career.

“We’re taking care of high school athletes, which happens a lot,” he said. “Unfortunately, some people feel it doesn’t make sense for them to continue in a risky environment.”

Leininger also highlighted newer technology like Guardian Caps, which are used by many football athletes in practices and a handful of NFL players in-game. He says using proper form while tackling, mainly not leading with the crown of the helmet, is another way to reduce the risk of concussions.

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Harrison Grubb

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