Opinion: Vulnerability is good, even for professional football players

Carolina Panthers linebacker Luke Kuechly’s concussion meant he missed another game Sunday, this time against Seattle.

We hope he has a full and rapid recovery. We also hope, because of Kuechly’s popularity and the dramatic video footage of the moments immediately after his concussion, that his injury can be a turning point for concussions being taken seriously in football.

Professional teams and the world that surrounds them have made some small improvements recently, but there’s still a long way to go — including a need to recognize that not all brain injuries are as immediately obvious as what happened to Kuechly on Nov. 17.

Kuechly’s concussion resonated visually. We saw pain and fear in his face – more than we’re used to seeing during an athletic event. The vulnerability of his expression as he left the field cannot easily be forgotten by sportswriters and fans alike.

His emotional response made us think about the risks we put these players through.

As casual or more serious followers of professional football, our dollars and team executives’ hunger to consume them are the reason concussions were hidden for so long and the reason the NFL is still struggling to confront them now.

Football players and executives face another challenge when taking concussions seriously: these players are supposed to be the manliest of men.

From a young age, they’ve been subject to messages that their masculinity relies on “shaking it off” and being “tough.” They’ve been told that showing emotion is a sign of weakness.

Now, as pro athletes, their livelihoods and public image rely on their ability to live up to the aggressive culture of American masculinity. Young boys are watching and when players are stigmatized for showing emotion and praised for playing through pain, young boys learn that they should act that way, too.

This hyper-masculine culture hurts people of all genders, in big and small ways.

This board has addressed some of the other consequences of this culture before, including the association between domestic violence and sports. Steve Almond’s “Against Football: One Fan’s Reluctant Manifesto” addresses the costs of America’s favorite game and some of the systems that created them.

Professional football players face pressure to stay on the field and keep playing, even though the number of concussions in one football career can reach double digits.

The effect of that example shows up in non-athletes’ lives, too. Research shows that men don’t go to the doctor as often as they should.

Standing up and saying “I need help” isn’t easy for anyone; pro athletes could use their platforms to set an example, but they’re under particular pressure to do just the opposite.

Kuechly’s situation is far from unique in the world of football and the effects of telling men they can’t show pain or emotion extend far beyond the field.

If his injury stuck in your mind, good. Keep thinking about whether you’re helping perpetuate the culture that’s eager to put him back in the game.

If that bothers you, consider speaking out or speaking with your wallet.