Ben Roethlisberger, Pittsburgh Steelers / Image: Zuma Press

1. The NFL is strengthening and expanding the membership of its medical committee that has studied the subject of concussions and overseen concussion-related research for the past 15 years. The current co-chairmen, Drs. Ira Casson and David Viano, have resigned from those positions and will to continue to assist the committee. The NFL is currently identifying their replacements and additional members who will bring to the committee independent sources of expertise and experience in the field of head injuries.
2. Each club is identifying local neurosurgeons or neurologists who will be available to provide an independent “second opinion” in cases involving players who have had a concussion and been removed from a game or practice. Before these players return to practice or play, they must be evaluated and cleared by both their team doctor and the independent neurologist or neurosurgeon. The NFL and the NFL Players Association medical advisor are reviewing the expertise and qualifications of, and approve, each doctor proposed for this role.
3. Members of the NFL Competition Committee are continuing to evaluate potential changes in playing rules that are intended to reduce head impacts and related injuries in a game setting. Commissioner Goodell met yesterday with Committee co-chair Rich McKay and reviewed specific types of plays for that purpose.
4. John Madden, in his role as special advisor to the Commissioner, is chairing a committee of coaches that is exploring ways of providing players with a safer environment that would reduce the risk of head trauma on non-game days. Among the considerations are reducing the overall amount of off-season work, and/or limiting the use of helmets (and therefore contact) in practice, minicamps, OTAs, and training camps. Madden’s group will report its recommendations to the Competition Committee and Commissioner Goodell.
5. In conjunction with the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the league has developed an NFL public service message directed primarily at young athletes and their parents and coaches on the importance of head injury awareness. It will debut on the air on December 10. In addition, the league also is working with the CDC and other organizations to distribute educational material to young athletes and high school coaches, and to develop an overall certification program for coaches at those levels addressing player health and safety.
6. As part of its continuing educational effort, the NFL will hold another medical conference in Washington, D.C., in June 2010 on concussions for team medical staffs and representatives of the NFLPA, similar to the conference that took place in Chicago in 2007. The NFL will again invite leading doctors and scientists to present the most current information regarding this injury. Club medical personnel will be required to attend.
7. The NFL will continue to invest in research designed to improve equipment safety and will urge players to make informed choices regarding the use of the most technologically advanced helmets.

Commissioner Goodell told the clubs that these developments are the latest in a series of steps in recent years that have improved player safety, especially relating to concussions and other head injuries.

“We have undertaken a series of initiatives that will enhance the substantial progress we have made in recent years in concussion-related matters. Our goal remains to make our game as safe as possible, protect the health and safety of our players, and set the best possible example for players at all levels and in all sports. Our game today is played with the understanding that medical decisions must always take priority over competitive interests. As a result, our sport is safer than it was previously. But we always strive to do better and the steps announced today will enhance the substantial progress we have made in recent years.”

He said he expects to advise them in the near future of additional steps that he has identified. These steps include new medical guidelines and research directed at the issue of long-term effects of concussions.

This is all well and good. But the fact remains that playing professional football is a violent activity and there will undoubtedly continue to be concussions no matter how many developments there are to prevent them. I applaud the NFL for what they’re doing. But I don’t think it can ever be enough to eliminate the problem.

Source: NFL Media

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NFL Advancements in Concussion Prevention

Brian Westbrook, Philadelphia Eagles / Photo: Newscom

When asked about his injury after practice today, Brian provided some honest answers and insight:

“It scared me. It’s tough to go through, really. I didn’t have a great understanding of concussions before. When you think about it, they don’t have a lot of information on concussions when you get to be 50, 60 and 70 years old (and) how it impacts your life. Unfortunately, in this profession, a lot of guys have concussions. Some guys don’t even know they have concussions until it’s too late. I’m concerned about the long-term effects of it, but when you go out there and play football … you have to go out there and try to play with reckless abandon. Hopefully, I’ll never put myself in that same position to get a concussion in that same way. But that’s a part of the game.”

I can certainly understand his trepidation. But he’s right. As soon as you start playing like you’re afraid of suffering another injury, you might as well call it a career. And I don’t see Brian Westbrook doing that anytime soon. I know the NFL has put a great deal of time and money and research into protecting their players, especially in the case of concussions. So, I’m sure the Eagles will be very careful with Brian’s long-term health. Then again, their next game is against Dallas. And the fact that Brian has had full participation in practice the past couple days makes me think he’ll be ready to handle something close to a normal workload Sunday against the Cowboys.

Source: PhillyBurbs.com

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Brian Westbrook Concerned About Concussion

Brian Westbrook, Philadelphia Eagles / Image: Zuma Press

Well, there’s good news and bad news with this injury. While Brian is scheduled to miss all of training camp and the preseason (the bad news), he should be ready for the regular season (and that’s good). Ready to play, that is. What kind of football shape he’ll be in remains to be seen.

The Eagles will turn to veteran backup running back Lorenzo Booker and rookie RB LeSean McCoy. This is a great opportunity for LeSean to step in and show what kind of production he’s capable of. Filling Brian’s shoes won’t be easy—he’s built a solid and deserving reputation as one of the NFL’s best all-purpose backs.

Source: CSNPhilly.com

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Brian Westbrook Out Until Regular Season

National Football League Blogcast, NFL Blogcast

When you play the Minnesota Vikings, you’d better be prepared to throw the football. The Vikes had the NFL’s best run defense this season and even without All-Pro, run-stuffing tackle Pat Williams, they kept the Philadelphia Eagles’ ground game in-check (67 yards) this afternoon in a 26-14 NFC Wild Card loss. That total included a meager 38 yards on 20 carries by RB Brian Westbrook. But all Brian needed was one touch to make the difference in this one. He broke open a 16-14 game by taking a screen pass from quarterback Donovan McNabb 71 yards for a touchdown in the fourth quarter. Brian finished with 121 yards from scrimmage to go along with his TD. Of course, Donovan knew what to expect from his teammate:

“Anytime you get an opportunity to give the ball to a guy like Westbrook, give him an opportunity in space or against any other defenders, you feel confident about that matchup.”

It’s not like the Vikings weren’t prepared for this. Every NFL team knows Brian Westbrook is one of the most dangerous and explosive players in the league. He’s proven it year after year. And the focus of any opposing team’s game plan is to account for him at all times. The Vikings certainly did. The problem is, you might keep him down for a while, but it only takes one play to make the difference in a game. His 71-yard catch and run today was a perfect example. The Eagles’ defense played well, especially in the second half. And Donovan was sharp for most of the game. But Brian is the main reason why the Eagles are moving on to the Divisional round of the NFC Playoffs.

Source: NFL.com

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One Play From Brian Westbrook

Philadelphia Eagles running back Brian Westbrook said he wanted to restructure his contract because he feels underpaid and made it clear he wanted to be compensated like one of the best running backs in the National Football League. Well, today he agreed to a contract (a 52-page contract) worth $21 million over the next three years, including $13 million guaranteed over the next two seasons, so he’s taken care of. With escalators based on playoff appearances and individual performance, Brian could get his salary up to $24 million. Head coach Andy Reid said:

“As I’ve said many times, I believe Brian Westbrook is the best running back in football. He can do it all from that position, whether it’s running, catching the football or blocking. He is true professional and leader on and off the field and it’s a great deal for both Brian and the Eagles organization.”

I agree that Brian is a do-it-all back and one of the top five at his position. I’m on record a number of times saying I favor the player fulfilling the contract he signed, but I understand Brian’s frustration with not being paid as one of the best. Last season he led the NFL with 2,104 total yards from scrimmage. And he’s the only active NFL player with at least 20 touchdowns both rushing and receiving (27 rush, 23 receiving) in his career. That’s a strong statement. Brian is the straw that stirs the offensive drink in Philadelphia.

Sources: Philly.com, NFL.com

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Brian Westbrook Gets New Contract

Blogging the National Football League, Blogging the NFL

The Dallas Cowboys placed a league-high 12 players on the NFC All-Star team. Among the players selected to the NFC squad was Washington Redskins safety Sean Taylor, who died last month. Sean received the most votes at his position and was chosen as the starting free safety for the NFC team. A replacement will be announced at a later date. Eleven NFC players will participate in their first Pro Bowl, including Minnesota Vikings rookie running back Adrian Peterson, who leads the NFC in rushing yards with 1,278.

Five of the Cowboys’ Pro Bowl players – running back Marion Barber, guard Leonard Davis, rookie kicker Nick Folk, safety Ken Hamlin and cornerback Terence Newman – are also first-time All-Stars. They join tackle Flozell Adams (fourth Pro Bowl), center Andre Gurode (second), wide receiver Terrell Owens (sixth), quarterback Tony Romo (second), linebacker DeMarcus Ware (second) and tight end Jason Witten (fourth) to equal the largest Dallas Pro Bowl contingent ever. Dallas also had 11 players named to the All-Star team in 1993 and 1994.

The starting quarterback for the NFC is nine-time All-Star Brett Favre of the Green Bay Packers. Brett, also the leading vote-getter among fans, ties Pro Football Hall of Famers John Elway, Dan Marino, Warren Moon and Norm Van Brocklin for the second-most Pro Bowl selections by a quarterback behind Johnny Unitas with 10. Joining Brett at QB are Dallas’ Tony Romo and Seattle’s Matt Hasselbeck. Tony is the first Cowboys QB to be chosen for back-to-back Pro Bowls since Hall of Famer Troy Aikman (1992-97). Matt joins Dave Krieg as the only Seahawks quarterbacks to be named to three Pro Bowls.

Starting at running back for the NFC is AD, who seeks to become the first rookie to lead the NFC in rushing since Pro Football Hall of Famer Barry Sanders (1989). He is joined by Dallas’ Marion Barber and two-time Philadelphia Eagles All-Star Brian Westbrook, who has an NFL-best 1,896 yards from scrimmage. I kind of scratched my head at Marion’s selection, but he is the first Cowboys RB to be chosen since the 2000 Pro Bowl (Emmitt Smith) and Brian is the sixth Eagles running back with multiple All-Star selections. Filling out the backfield is Minnesota fullback Tony Richardson, who makes his third Pro Bowl appearance (Kansas City, 2004-05) and first for the NFC.

Along with Dallas’ TO, now chosen as an All-Star with three teams (San Francisco, Philadelphia), the NFC’s other starting wide receiver is Arizona’s Larry Fitzgerald, who played in the 2006 Pro Bowl. Rounding out the position are a pair of Pro Bowl veterans in seven-time All-Star Torry Holt of the St. Louis Rams and three-time All-Star Donald Driver of Green Bay.

The starting tight end for the NFC is Jason Witten, making his fourth consecutive appearance in Hawaii. He is joined by Washington’s Chris Cooley, who deservedly will make his Pro Bowl debut.

Minnesota’s Steve Hutchinson will make his fifth consecutive trip to the Pro Bowl and start at guard along with the Cowboys’ Leonard Davis. Philadelphia’s Shawn Andrews was named an All-Star for the second year in a row and fills out the position.

Starting at center is Dallas’ Andre Gurode, joined by Minnesota’s Matt Birk, a six-time Pro Bowl selection.

The starting tackles are Seattle’s Walter Jones, an eight-time All-Star, and the Cowboys’ Flozell Adams. Washington’s Chris Samuels, making his fifth Pro Bowl appearance, is the NFC’s third tackle.

A pair of two-time All-Stars will start at defensive end for the NFC in Green Bay’s Aaron Kampman and Seattle’s Patrick Kerney. New York Giants defensive end Osi Umenyiora, making his second trip to Hawaii, also was chosen to represent the NFC.

Two Vikings will start on the interior defensive line in three-time All-Star Kevin Williams and two-time Pro Bowl selection Pat Williams. These two combine to make the Vikings the best in the league against the run. Chicago’s Tommie Harris was chosen for the third time in his career.

Seattle’s Lofa Tatupu makes his third Pro Bowl trip and will start at inside linebacker. He will be joined at the position by rookie Patrick Willis of the San Francisco 49ers, the No. 11 overall selection in the 2007 NFL Draft. The outside linebackers are Chicago’s Lance Briggs (third Pro Bowl), Seattle’s Julian Peterson (fourth) and Dallas’ DeMarcus Ware. Julian and DeMarcus were chosen as the starters.

All three cornerbacks on the NFC team are Pro Bowl newcomers. Green Bay’s Al Harris and Seattle’s Marcus Trufant will start with Dallas’ Terence Newman coming off the bench.

At free safety, the late Sean Taylor was selected as the starter. Dallas’ Ken Hamlin also was chosen at free safety and four-time All-Star Darren Sharper of the Minnesota Vikings will be the starting strong safety.

Two Bears are among the quartet of players who will handle special teams duties for the NFC. For the second consecutive year, Chicago’s Devin Hester will be the return specialist and Brandon Ayanbadejo will be the coverage specialist. Dallas’ rookie Nick Folk is the kicker and San Francisco punter Andy Lee was selected for the first time in his career.

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Dallas Cowboys Lead NFL With 12 All-Stars, 11 First-Time Selections For NFC