When the NFL Network signed on Andrea Kremer to become its player health reporter, I thought it was one of the most significant and unique network hires in recent years. The league essentially was bringing in a reporter to cover what could be potentially the most damaging issue to the future of football.
I did a Q/A with Kremer at the time, and asked her to fill me in on future stories. Turns out Kremer has a busy week ahead. Beginning Tuesday, NFL Network kicks off a four-part series, “The Health of the Game”, on Total Access (Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, 7-8 p.m. ET), and prior to Thursday’s night game. Kremer handles parts 1, 3, 4, while Steve Cyphers does part 2.
The timing couldn’t be better with three starting quarterbacks, Jay Cutler, Michael Vick and Alex Smith, getting knocked out of games Sunday with concussions.
Here’s the rundown:
Tuesday, Nov. 13: Overview of the Player Health & Safety series
The biggest issue facing the NFL is related to Players’ Health and Safety. In this piece, we put some of the biggest questions surrounding this issue in some perspective. Reported by Andrea Kremer.
Wednesday, Nov. 14: New Technology – Virginia Tech helmet technology – The “Hit System”
At Virginia Tech and other colleges, football players have chips in their helmets that allow experts on the sidelines to immediately measure the impact of hits to players’ heads during play. Evidence shows fewer head injuries at schools using this system. Steve Cyphers reports.
Thursday, Nov. 15: Darrelle Revis intro- will air on Thursday Night Football Kickoff show
A month ago, Revis suffered a serious knee injury during play and underwent ACL surgery. Our exclusive access with Revis shows the physical, mental and emotional strains that a player deals with while rehabbing from this surgery. This is the first in a series of segments on Revis, his knee injury, and the rehab process. Kremer reports.
Note: Thursday Night Football Kickoff show airs 6 pm ET. Segment will also air during postgame show
Friday, Nov. 16: Youth Football
During a recent Pop Warner game near Boston, five players between the ages of 10 and 12 suffered concussions. Some experts say younger children should not play football because they are more vulnerable to head injuries. We talk to these players, parents, coaches and experts. Kremer reports.