In announcing injury data for the 2024 season Thursday, the NFL said that concussions had decreased to a “historic low” as helmet safety continued to rise.
Concussions were down 17 percent from the 2023 campaign and 12 percent compared to the 2021-23 three-year average.
“Today is an important milestone but not the end of our work,” Jeff Miller, NFL executive vice president overseeing player health and safety, said in a news release. “Through improved equipment, rules modifications and a continued culture change, we will make the game safer and more exciting.”
The NFL cited the “largest safety improvement in helmets worn on field since 2021” as a key factor. Not only have helmet technology continued to evolve in recent years, 2024 was the first season that players could wear soft-shelled Guardian Caps over their helmets in games. They were previously used only in practice settings.
The league also heralded its divisive “dynamic kickoff” rule, also new in 2024. Per the NFL, the new kickoff format lowered the rate of touchbacks, raising returns by 57 percent, while lowering players’ average speeds. This meant a 43 percent decrease in concussions on kickoffs compared to the 2021-23 average, along with the fewest lower extremity strains on kickoffs since at least 2018.
“This season’s injury data underscores real progress in our efforts to reduce concussions and lower-extremity strains, key areas of focus for the league’s injury reduction strategy,” NFL chief medical officer Dr. Allen Sills said in a statement. “We’re glad to see continued focus on these injuries pay off, and as always, will be using this injury data to inform and further strengthen our injury prevention and reduction approach during the offseason.”
