Traumatic hits to the head in football can cause serious injury to the brain. Studies show that the consequence of these brain injuries is a condition called chronic traumatic encephalopathy or CTE. This condition has led players to lose memory, become aggressive, develop suicidal behaviors, get dementia and subsequently, lose their life. 

To help prevent CTE in football, scientists are investigating the types of head impacts that can offer the highest risk. A research team of top scientists, such as Dr. Daniel Daneshvar, is constantly looking into the relationship between head impacts and CTE.

To estimate impacts, 631 brains donated by men who have played professional football were examined. High-stage CTE was found in 288 of the men. On average, the donors played about 12 years of professional football and died at the age of 60. 

In an effort to minimize occurrences of CTE, athletes and coaches associated with the National Football League are lowering the number of strength hits to the head. The NFL has gone as far as giving players the option to wear guardian caps during regular season games.

The sports equipment company, Riddell, has played an active role in the prevention of CTE in football players by developing their newest helmet, the Riddell Axiom. The Axiom is starting to make its way from the professional and collegiate level over to the high school level and even the youth level. This is only the start of the major prevention of CTE.