Concussion: A Sport's Horror Film

Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) sounds like a bunch of medical jargon foreign to many of us. Perhaps that’s why the recent Will Smith movie was named Concussion instead. Concussions have been the talk of the sports industry partially due to the release of this movie as it exposes the horrors concerning CTE in former NFL players.

Last Christmas, Smith expertly embodied the character of Bennet Omalu, a Nigerian-born forensic pathologist as he discovers a degenerative brain disease. More specifically, a brain disease connected to concussions in NFL players. His character fights against the powerful NFL corporation to voice his concerns and instigate change. Smith perfectly portrays a humble man standing up for his beliefs in order to protect future players.

The movie opened eyes all over the world, but the message may be slightly misleading. While the movie was labeled a drama, parents, players, and coaches walked out of the theater horrified and frightened of concussions. The movie failed to accurately make the distinction between concussions and CTE. While they may be related, the two should not be viewed as one in the same. Not all concussions lead to CTE. In fact, many other factors may come into play. 

Regardless, the truth of the matter is that we do not have all the answers. We do not know all of the whys, hows, and what ifs about concussions. So, while the film may have been too negative on the NFL and football in general, it scared people into thinking. It made them think about the risks, prevention, and precautions, and in that sense the movie succeeded.