“I’m Worried They Will Come Back to Haunt Me”: Examining How Retired National Football League Players Make Sense of Concussion Risks

Abstract

This qualitative study examines how former National Football League (NFL) players retrospectively make sense of concussion risks post-retirement. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with retired NFL players ( N = 10) who sustained at least one official concussion during their professional career. Guided by sensemaking theory and reflexive thematic analysis, themes were generated to characterize player attitudes toward concussion risks. Themes identified include concussions represent an invisible threat, concussions create more concern than other injuries, and head injuries change player outlooks on career longevity. Player strategies to mitigate concussion risks included avoid thinking about the risks by focusing on the moment or on the financial rewards, rely on teammates to look out for each other’s health, and recognize the fine line between valor and discretion. The findings inform risk communication efforts geared toward reducing head injuries in football, as players must balance competing goals of elite performance and sustaining their football career versus prioritizing their long-term health.