AP interviews of NFL players about concussions
The Associated Press recently interviewed 44 NFL players - at least one from each of the league's 32 teams - to gauge whether concussion safety and attitudes about head injuries have changed in the past two years.
Of those who participated in the Dec. 14-22 interviews, 33 are starters, 11 are reserves; 25 play on offense, 19 play on defense; all have been in the league at least three seasons.
The questions and answers, along with the number of respondents:
Specifically with regard to concussions, is playing in the NFL safer, more dangerous or the same as it was in 2009, when the issue first began to get a lot of attention?
-Safer: 28
-Same: 13
-More Dangerous: 2
-Not sure: 1
If you get what you think could be a concussion, do you think you would hide it and try to stay in the game or immediately pull yourself out?
-Hide It: 23
-Immediately Leave: 21
Is that a change from 2009?
-Yes: 7
-No: 26
-No Answer: 11
Can more be done to protect players from head injuries?
-Yes: 18
-No: 24
-No Answer: 2
Should the NFL have independent neurologists at games to examine players and determine whether they should be held out because of concussions?
-Yes: 31
-No: 10
-No Answer: 3