Concussions can diminish an athlete’s chance of becoming a professional athlete.

Concussions happen when the brain slides back against the skull. Most people think it is because of how hard someone hits their head. This does cause bruising, but the concussion itself comes from the movement of the brain.

Every concussion is different therefore some have initial symptoms and some don’t.

“Usually after [you hit your head] you get nauseous.You get headaches and migraines, and sometimes sensitivity to light,” junior Hunter Lewis said, who has had three non-sports related concussions.

Initial symptoms aren’t the only issues regarding concussions. There are after effects. Fifteen former NFL players just sued the NFL for $765 million for the mistreatment of concussions because too many former players have CTE (a disease formed by repeated blows to the head).

“I still get severe migraines today and have consistent memory loss issues,” said Jeff Knight, a 57 year-old man who has had six concussions throughout his life.

His concussions were received while playing street football, high school football, and around his own home.

A college quarterback at the University of Michigan was taken out of a game because he took a severe hit from a defensive player. He would have fallen to the ground if the lineman next to him hadn’t caught his fall. One play later, the second string quarterback’s fell off and he had to come off the field. They put the first string back in for another play, then took him out again. With all the lawsuits and efforts to keep players safe nowadays, there is talk that the school could get sued for placing him back in danger.

“You must wait a week and be symptom free to come back to practice at Waterford High School,” the Waterford High School head coach said.

Concussions need to be examined instantly and repeatedly throughout the course of an athlete’s career. Once the coaches stop worshiping the “W”, more children will tryout for sports and feel safe playing.