Per NFL Concussions Decreased To A Historic Low In 2024 Season

Last Thursday the National Football League released their injury data for the 2024 season. And there was good news on the concussion front. Per the NFL, concussions decreased to a historic low in the 2024 season. The top three results were:

• Decrease in concussions to a historic low,[1] including a 17% reduction compared to the 2023 season, including all practices and games in both the preseason and regular season.
• Largest safety improvement in helmets worn on field since 2021.
• Continued reduction in lower extremity strains for the 2024 season.

2024 also saw the fewest number of concussions for a full preseason since 2015. The league wants to continue to build on the progress made with reducing concussions. Jeff Miller, NFL executive vice president overseeing player health and safety said:

“Today is an important milestone but not the end of our work. Through improved equipment, rules modifications and a continued culture change, we will make the game safer and more exciting.”

The league was also happy with the results of the new Dynamic Kickoff rule believing it worked as intended. Returns increased 57% in the regular season and there were 7 kickoffs returned for touchdowns, the most since 2021. The new rule slowed the average player speeds, as intended, which led to a lower concussion rate (down 43% vs. 2021-2023 average) and the fewest lower extremity strains on the play since at least 2018. This is among the data that will be shared with the Competition Committee as the Dynamic Kickoff is revisited this offseason following the one-year rule change. NFL chief medical officer, Dr. Allen Sills spoke positively about the injury data:

“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. 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.”

Per NFL Concussions Decreased To A Historic Low In 2024 Season

In addition to reducing concussions, the Dynamic Kickoff rule also contributed to the lower extremity injury savings. Shorter distances and fewer high-speed efforts reduced the incidence of lower extremity strains by 48% on that play alone. During this offseason further attention will be given to analyzing the Dynamic Kickoff. The league will also be reviewing the first year of the hip-drop tackle ban, and continuing to limit avoidable head contact and further reduce concussions.

In my opinion, they definitely should look into the hip-drop tackle ban. Because it seemed like the officials missed on calling some potential penalties. But the important thing is that concussions are down and I hope that it stays that way for the players’ sakes.

Thoughts on Per NFL Concussions Decreased To A Historic Low In 2024 Season? Well let’s connect then you Feen! We are always around on social media posting as well as chatting away. And we would love to hear some POV from you. Therefore, join the discussion and talk all things Sports Feen; athletics as well as breaking industry news related with us by dropping a comment or two. Get into our comment section on YT; or also hit us up on our TikTok page or tweet us @SportsFeen.