According to a Boston University Study, a team of researchers had found CTE in 345 of 376 former NFL players. That’s an alarming 91.76%. However, there might finally be a light at the end of the tunnel. The NFL and its associated medical professionals could soon witness a significant improvement in concussion management thanks to a groundbreaking development.

This is good news for Roger Goodell, as he had constantly come under fire for not doing enough about protecting players from traumatic head injuries. Joe Pompliano took to X to share news of this development, which he said could be a “big deal for the NFL”.

Good news for Roger Goodell!

The FDA has recently approved a handheld device capable of diagnosing concussions with a remarkable 96.5% accuracy through a blood test. This tool, ideal for quick diagnostics, could be revolutionary for player safety during games. The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette revealed the invention.

Where Does OSU's Roster Still Lack Elite Talent?

Let Tony do the scouting, you just make the pick.

Pick your positions. Get Tony’s top 5:

C

CB

DE

DT

FB

G

ILB

OLB

P

PK

QB

RB

S

T

TE

WR

View Tony’s Picks

However, its implementation faces challenges: it’s only been tested in trauma centers, not on athletes specifically; it requires a needle rather than a simpler finger prick; and it needs approval from both the NFL and the NFL Players Association. As these issues are addressed, the potential for enhancing player care in real-time looks promising.

The University of Pittsburgh developed the device and it can provide results in under 15 minutes. This tool is currently undergoing a clinical trial to ensure its accuracy and reliability. However, if it does work and Roger Goodell adopts it fully, it could mean the end of the most prevalent injury in NFL players. An injury that played a role in the adverse health conditions of several players.

2 NFL players who fell victim to massive head injury

The family of NFL legend Frank Gifford, who passed away from natural causes, had disclosed after his death that he had suffered from CTE. They expressed hope that revealing his condition could contribute positively to the broader conversation about the disease and inspire those affected.

Ken Stabler, another NFL veteran known for his impressive career as a QB, also dealt with the repercussions of head injuries. His partner, Kim Bush, shared that he experienced severe headaches, disorientation, and memory lapses. Stabler, who passed away from colon cancer at 69, had preemptively requested his brain be studied for CTE, which was confirmed posthumously. His anticipation of the diagnosis highlights a growing awareness among players about the long-term effects of football on brain health.

Now with the new device, there’s hope that cases of concussion could be detected much earlier, which would lead to their timely treatment and would prevent it from developing into full-blown CTE.