NFL’s answer to concussions: Sports science – CNBC

The contest comes just ahead of the film “Concussion,” a biographical sports medicine drama about pathologist Bennet Omalu. Omalu. who is played by actor Will Smith, is credited for trying to spread awareness of degenerative brain disease chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) in football players, in spite of the NFL’s trying to block his research and deny the existence of the disease.

Miller, who hasn’t seen the film, said the NFL had no impact on the script, production or anything to do with the movie. While they were approached via email by Sony twice to have meetings, none ever occurred.

“The broader point is if that movie brings some spotlight around the health and safety of our sport, we’re here to talk about it,” he said. “We’re here to talk about the changes that have been made on the field, how that’s going to have a trickle-down effect in the way the game is being played at all levels, the scientific technological advancements that are made through efforts like the one (on Tuesday), and our efforts going forward to train youth coaches to improve the way we coach tackling both for youth and high school players, and the ways that were going to make sure people are more aware of the risks associated with the sport.”

He added that he believes that people know more about the health risks of sports, the more they can weigh whether they want to participate.

“The lessons that are learned from playing our particular sport, the resilience, the teamwork, the being able to get up when you’re knocked down, are something that have tremendous transcendent value for kids,” he said. “That play and our game and learning those lessons at a young age will continue and help them throughout their lives.”