The numbers stem from practices, preseason games, and regular season games with the playoffs excluded.
"2024 saw the fewest number of concussions on record in the NFL," said NFL Executive Vice President Jeff Miller. "That dates to 2015 when we adopted a current and modern electronic medical records system. This year had a notable decrease of 17% year-over-year as a result of improved equipment, continued rule changes and enforcement, and a culture change around head injuries."
A lot of credit is also being given to the helmet technology themselves and how they've improved substantially.
"Today is an important milestone but not the end of our work," said Miller. "Through improved equipment, rules modifications and a continued culture change, we will make the game safer and more exciting."
The new kickoff rule implemented this season also saw great numbers. Returns increased by 57% compared to 2023 and saw seven touchdown returns, the highest since 2021. Due to the new format, collisions weren't at full speed as in the past, which not only led to fewer concussions but also fewer strains as well.
Denver Broncos ALL IN. ALL COVERED. donation
Circling back to helmet technology, the Denver Broncos recently supplied state-of-the-art helmets that even professionals use for every single high school tackle football program in the state of Colorado.
The Riddell Axiom helmet donation, which many NFL players also wear, is the largest act of philanthropy in the Broncos' history.
"The Denver Broncos Foundation is proud to launch ALL IN. ALL COVERED., a game-changing program designed to have a lasting impact on Colorado youth for years to come," said Broncos Owner and Foundation Board Chair Carrie Walton Penner. "Aligned with our Foundation values of equity and innovation, this first-of-its-kind initiative will positively influence how schools and governing bodies prioritize student-athlete health and safety. ALL IN. ALL COVERED. demonstrates our deep commitment to community-wide collaboration and would not be possible without Riddell, CHSAA and our organization working together to bring this to life."
As helmet technology evolves, as do the rules of the game, the positive report of concussions decreasing across the NFL gives hope not just for the current athletes around the league, but the youth who will also be part of the league one day as well.