Posted on April 24th, 2025

You know the drill—the game’s on, the crowd’s loud, and you’re locked in. Then, boom. You take a hit that rattles your brain a bit more than it should.

Maybe your vision fuzzes out, or your head's pounding like a drumline. But instead of flagging it, you brush it off.

Happens all the time, right? The thing is, your body’s not just throwing a tantrum—it’s sounding an alarm.

That little off-feeling could be more than just a rough play; it might be your brain telling you, hey, we’ve got a problem here.

Especially in football, where hits are as routine as huddles, it’s easy to play through the pain. Nobody wants to be the one who steps back when the game’s heating up.

But I will be very honest—knowing when to speak up could save your future in the sport. And that’s where the real challenge lies: saying something.

Not easy, I know. Telling your coach you might have a concussion isn’t exactly a highlight-reel moment. But trust me, it’s the start of something bigger—looking out for your brain now, so it’s still sharp when the cleats come off later.

Recognizing Concussion Symptoms

Spotting a concussion isn’t always as dramatic as a player face-planting on the field.

Sometimes, it’s sneakier—a dull headache creeping in hours after the hit, a weird fog that makes the playbook feel like it’s written in another language, or a sudden wobble during warmups that makes you look like a deer on ice.

These aren’t random quirks—they’re your brain’s version of flares, and if you don’t catch them early, they can turn into bigger problems down the line.

Now, football's a full-contact beast, and let’s be honest—bumps and bruises are just part of the deal. But concussions? That’s a whole different game.

The problem is, a lot of players shake off the symptoms, thinking they’re being tough. I’ve been there; I get it. But knowing when your body’s throwing red flags is just as important as knowing the next play.

Some of the common signs to keep on your radar include

• Headaches that don't quit, especially after a hit

• Dizziness or feeling like the ground’s moving when it’s not

• Trouble focusing or remembering what just happened

• Feeling spaced out, irritable, or just plain off

Don’t downplay these because they’re “not that bad.” A mild hit can still pack a punch to your brain. And yes, it’s tempting to chalk it up to fatigue, stress, or a bad practice day.

The reality is, the earlier you recognize these symptoms for what they are, the faster you can get back on track—safely. Better to miss a couple of plays now than sit out the whole season later.

So what happens when you realize something’s not quite right? That’s where a real conversation comes in.

Pull your coach aside—not during a play or while they’re drawing up a Hail Mary, but when there's a minute to talk—and lay it out.

Keep it clear and honest. Let them know what you’ve noticed, how long it’s been happening, and that you're concerned about your brain health, not just your game time.

That convo isn’t weakness—it’s wisdom. It shows you're thinking long-term, not just living for Friday night lights. And more than anything, it opens the door for your coach and your team to back you up, not bench you.

The Importance of Reporting a Concussion

Reporting a concussion might not feel like a game-winning move in the moment—but trust me, it’s one of the smartest plays you'll ever make.

When you're caught in the intensity of a match, running on adrenaline and laser-focused on winning, it’s easy to brush off symptoms like a headache, dizziness, or feeling foggy. You think, “I’ve got this,” and push through.

But here’s the thing—your brain doesn’t heal just because you toughed it out. In fact, staying in the game after taking a hit can set you up for a second blow before the first injury’s healed. That’s when things can get dangerously real, real fast.

Second Impact Syndrome isn’t just another scary-sounding medical term. It’s what happens when a brain that’s already vulnerable takes another hit—and the result can be catastrophic.

Swelling, long-term damage, or worse. And that’s not just a risk for the pros or college players—it’s real for anyone in the game, from high school to Sunday leagues.

Add to that the long-term consequences of repeated trauma—like CTE—and it’s crystal clear: ignoring concussion symptoms isn’t just risky. It’s reckless.

Yeah, I get it—missing time on the field sucks. You don’t want to let your team down or sit out the game you’ve been training for all week. But think about the bigger picture.

You’re not only an athlete; you’re a whole person with a brain that does a lot more than call audibles.

When you report what you’re feeling, you use a system built to support you—trainers, doctors, and therapists. People who know what they’re doing and want to get you back in the game the right way. Not rushed. Not reckless. Right.

And here's the kicker—when you speak up, you’re not just protecting yourself. You're setting the tone for your team. You’re showing your teammates that health isn’t something you gamble with.

You’re giving coaches, medical staff, and fellow players a chance to build a culture where no one feels like they have to hide an injury just to prove their dedication.

Owning up to a concussion isn’t a sign of weakness—it’s a power move. It means you're playing the long game. And when your playing days are over, your brain will thank you for it.

Effective Communication With Your Coach

Talking to your coach about a possible concussion isn’t exactly the conversation anyone looks forward to—but it’s one that can make all the difference.

No matter if you're dealing with a headache that won’t quit or moments where your focus just flat-out disappears, being upfront about what you’re experiencing is key.

You don’t need to deliver a medical report—just speak plainly. “Coach, I haven’t felt right since that hit” goes a long way. It shows maturity and sends the message that you’re not looking for an out—you’re looking for a plan.

A good coach isn’t just shouting from the sidelines—they’re someone who’s in your corner. So when you bring up what’s been going on, don’t just drop symptoms and walk away. Invite them into the process.

Ask for their take. Let them know you still want to contribute, even if that means shifting gears for a bit. Maybe you dial things back in practice. Maybe you loop in the trainer for some extra support.

Either way, being honest doesn’t mean stepping back from the team—it means showing up in a different way while putting your health first.

And let’s be real—when one player speaks up, it gives others permission to do the same. You’re not just helping yourself; you’re nudging the culture forward. Coaches notice that. When athletes feel safe sharing concerns without fear of being benched or brushed off, the whole environment gets healthier. That trust goes both ways and builds a stronger, more resilient squad overall.

This kind of conversation can even spark bigger changes—like new training guidelines, better education around head injuries, or regular check-ins that weren’t happening before. Your words could help shape the future of how your program handles concussions, making things better for every player who comes after you.

So yeah, it takes guts to bring up a health issue. Especially when you're wired to play through the pain. But starting that conversation? That’s leadership. That’s accountability. That’s how we protect not just seasons, but careers—and more importantly, lives.

Why You Should Always Talk To Somebody if You Suspect You Have Concussion

If you think something’s off after a hit—don’t sit on it. Speaking up about a possible concussion isn’t just about protecting yourself today; it’s about setting a new standard for what it means to be a smart, committed athlete.

When you take the lead in having that conversation, you’re doing more than managing symptoms—you’re showing that health and performance go hand in hand.

The game will always be there, but your brain needs to be in shape to enjoy it. When you’re unsure whether what you’re feeling “counts,” that’s exactly when you should talk to someone who knows.

Our sports medicine professionals are here to walk you through the signs, answer your questions, and help you build the confidence to speak up. Sometimes all it takes is a quick chat to turn confusion into clarity.

We specialize in athlete-focused recovery plans that respect your love of the game and your need to heal.

Whether it’s through a reduced-contact strategy, physical therapy coordination, or just good old-fashioned advice, we’re here to help you find the best path forward.

Think you have a concussion but not sure who to talk to? Get a consultation by phone today to see whether you need to go see a doctor.

Call us directly at (425) 248-0315 for a consultation or shoot us an email at [email protected] if that’s more your speed.

Remember, protecting your brain isn’t backing down—it’s playing smart. And when you lead with health, your team follows. Let’s keep the sport strong by keeping players stronger, together.