Richard Sherman once called it “an absolute joke.” Chris Nowinski, a prominent expert, called it “a fraud.”
Throughout its first decade of existence, the NFL’s concussion protocol quickly became a lightweight punching bag. Players, pundits and MDs ripped it to shreds. They branded it futile and faulty. And not even four years ago, in a single 32-day span, a barrage of blatant examples supported their claims.
First there was Russell Wilson, appearing to bypass the protocol altogether.
Then there was Jacoby Brissett, clutching his helmet after a concussive hit, but never missing an offensive play.