Does The NFL Push Painkillers On Football Players?

Uncover whether the NFL pushes painkillers on players. Investigate the controversy and its impact.

Published On

May 14, 2024

Dove Recovery's Team

Does The NFL Push Painkillers On Football Players?

NFL and Painkiller Use

The use of painkillers, specifically opioids, within the NFL has been a topic of ongoing controversy. The question often raised is, "Does the NFL push painkillers on football players?" To address this, it's necessary to delve into the reported misuse of opioids among NFL players, the impact of undiagnosed concussions, and the predictors of opioid misuse.

Opioid Misuse Among NFL Players

Evidence suggests a high prevalence of opioid misuse among NFL players. According to a study published on PubMed Central, over half (52%) of NFL players used opioids during their NFL career, with a staggering 71% of them reporting misuse. In addition, 15% of NFL players who misused opioids during their career are currently still misusing them.

Furthermore, the prevalence of current opioid use among NFL players is 7%, a rate that is three times the rate of the general population. In tandem with misuse, former NFL players who reported misuse of prescription opioids in the past 30 days were three times more likely to engage in risky drinking compared to those who used opioids as prescribed only.

Impact of Undiagnosed Concussions

Undiagnosed concussions within NFL play have a significant impact on current misuse of opioids among players. The same PubMed Central study pointed out that undiagnosed concussions during NFL play predict current misuse of opioids among players. This finding indicates a potential link between the physical trauma incurred during play and the subsequent misuse of opioids.

Predictors of Opioid Misuse

Several predictors of opioid misuse among NFL players have been identified. Moderate to severe pain, undiagnosed concussions, and heavy drinking in the past week are significant predictors of current opioid misuse among NFL players, according to the same PubMed Central study.

These predictors suggest that both physical factors (such as pain and concussions) and behavioral factors (such as heavy drinking) contribute to the risk of opioid misuse. This underscores the complexity of the issue and the need for comprehensive solutions that address both the physical and psychological aspects of player health and well-being.

Factors Influencing Painkiller Misuse

Analyzing the issue of painkiller misuse among NFL players, it becomes clear that a confluence of factors contribute to this problem. These include the prevailing team culture, the role of medical staff, and the mindset and pressures faced by the players themselves.

Influence of Team Culture

The culture within NFL teams plays a significant role in the misuse of painkillers. More than 500 retired NFL players accuse the league of fostering a culture where team physicians and trainers provided them with painkillers to hasten their return to the field post-injuries, without proper prescriptions or warnings about potential serious side effects [1]. This situation has led to serious health complications for these players, including heart, lung, and nerve dysfunction, kidney failure, muscle and bone disfigurement, substance abuse, and addiction.

Court documents filed against the National Football League’s 32 teams depict a team culture that disregards player safety and federal guidance on handling narcotics and painkillers.

Role of Medical Staff

The lawsuit against the NFL raises questions about the role of medical staff in the misuse of painkillers. Plaintiffs' attorneys revealed that seven team doctors testified to violating federal laws or regulations while serving as team doctors [2].

The lawsuit also alleges instances of players being provided with painkillers without their knowledge or without being warned about potential side effects. For example, Etopia Evans, the widow of former Baltimore Raven Charles Evans, testified that her husband would take unlabeled envelopes filled with Motrin and Percocet given to him by the team's trainers, leading to an addiction even after his retirement [2].

Players' Mindset and Pressures

The mindset and pressures faced by NFL players also contribute to the misuse of painkillers. Former NFL players such as Kyle Turley and Jeremy Newberry expressed that they felt compelled to take painkillers because team doctors assured them it would alleviate their pain and allow them to continue playing [1].

The pressure on professional athletes to return to the field quickly can lead to compromising safe treatment protocols and expose them to various health risks, as they prioritize short-term gratification over long-term consequences. This urgency to get back on the field promptly might lead to conflicts of interest among athletes, team executives, and medical staff.

These factors together create a complex scenario that fuels the controversy around the misuse of painkillers in the NFL. Addressing these issues effectively requires a comprehensive approach, addressing the team culture, medical practices, player mindset, and the overarching policies governing player health and safety in the league.

Addressing Pain Management

In response to the ongoing concern that the NFL pushes painkillers on football players, the organization has taken several steps to address pain management, working closely with the NFL Players Association (NFLPA) and medical experts to ensure players' health and safety.

NFL's Efforts for Player Safety

The NFL has demonstrated its commitment to player health and safety by enforcing rules changes aimed at eliminating potentially risky behavior that could lead to injuries. This involves a review of injury data and video after each season to inform decision-making. In addition, the organization has made strides in improving player safety through rules changes and data-driven decisions, such as kickoff modifications and the "Use of the Helmet" rule.

For instance, in response to data showing increased concussion risk on kickoff plays, the NFL made modifications to kickoff rules, addressing the components posing the most risk. This decision was made with collaboration from various committees and approval from NFL clubs, further highlighting their efforts to enhance player safety.

Medical Committees and Research

The NFL supports medical research on sports-related injuries and other health issues affecting NFL players. The organization has allotted funds for research on concussion, associated conditions, and alternatives to opioids for pain management. This showcases a commitment to advancing player health and safety through scientific endeavors.

Key individuals in the NFL's medical committees have played crucial roles in these efforts. Dr. Allen Sills, the NFL's Chief Medical Officer (CMO), has led efforts to reduce concussions, with a significant drop in reported concussions during the 2018 season. Dr. Thom Mayer, the Medical Director of the NFL Players Association, has been instrumental in ensuring the health and safety of NFL athletes, addressing a range of health concerns from heat illness to traumatic brain injuries.

Injury Reduction Plans

In an effort to further protect players from unnecessary risk, the NFL has put in place Injury Reduction Plans. These plans involve coordinating efforts with team medical staffs, the NFL Players Association, and medical experts. Under the leadership of Dr. Allen Sills, these plans aim to reduce concussions and other injuries in the NFL through rule changes, equipment evolution, and strict guidelines.

One such committee, the Joint Pain Management Committee, aims to establish uniform standards for club practices and policies regarding pain management and the use of prescription medications by NFL players.

By taking these steps, the NFL is making concerted efforts to address the issue of pain management in professional football, countering claims that the NFL pushes painkillers on players. These actions demonstrate an ongoing commitment to enhance player safety, informed by research and medical expertise.

Legal and Ethical Concerns

The NFL's alleged push of painkillers on football players has raised a number of legal and ethical concerns surrounding player safety, medical practices, and the overall culture of the league.

Lawsuit Allegations

Over 500 retired NFL players have accused the league of fostering an environment where team physicians and trainers provide them with painkillers in an effort to expedite their return to the field following injuries. The players claim that these drugs were administered without proper prescriptions or warnings about potential serious side effects. The long-term impact for these players includes heart, lung, and nerve dysfunction, kidney failure, muscle and bone disfigurement, and substance abuse and addiction [1].

This has led to a lawsuit initially filed in 2015 by more than 1,800 former players, alleging that doctors and trainers negligently supplied narcotics and anti-inflammatory painkillers to keep players on the field, without informing them of the associated health risks [2].

Team Culture and Practices

The court documents filed against the NFL's 32 teams describe a team culture that disregards player safety and federal guidance on handling narcotics and painkillers. The lawsuit also reveals instances where players were allegedly provided with painkillers without their knowledge or without being warned about potential side effects.

For example, Etopia Evans, the widow of former Baltimore Raven Charles Evans, testified that her husband would take unlabeled envelopes filled with Motrin and Percocet given to him by the team's trainers, leading to an addiction even after his retirement [2].

Additionally, the complaint highlighted the case of the Minnesota Vikings where the head trainer expressed concern about the club being at a competitive disadvantage because they were not regularly using Toradol, an anti-inflammatory injection used as a pain management tool in the NFL since the 1990s [2].

Responsibility and Accountability

The lawsuit has brought to light questions regarding the responsibility and accountability of the NFL, team physicians, and trainers in managing player safety and health. The plaintiffs' attorneys revealed that seven team doctors testified to violating federal laws or regulations while serving as team doctors.

For example, Pittsburgh Steelers team physician Dr. Yates testified that as of 2010, a majority of NFL clubs had trainers controlling and handling prescription medications and controlled substances, a practice that is not allowed by federal law [2].

These allegations of misconduct and negligence have sparked a conversation regarding the ethical considerations of player health and safety in competitive sports. It emphasizes the need for stringent regulations and practices to ensure the well-being of athletes, making it clear that the questions around "does the NFL push painkillers on football players" are not only legal, but also ethical in nature.

NFL's Painkiller Controversy

The National Football League (NFL) has been under scrutiny for its practices related to prescription drugs. Allegations of misuse, overuse, and the push of painkillers on players have stirred controversy within the league.

Prescription Practices

According to recent court documents, NFL teams have allegedly been disregarding federal guidance on handling narcotics and painkillers, contributing to a culture that prioritizes player performance over safety [2]. The lawsuit, filed by more than 1,800 former players, alleges that doctors and trainers negligently supplied narcotics and anti-inflammatory painkillers to keep players on the field without informing them of the associated health risks.

In 2012, each NFL team was prescribed an average of 5,777 doses of anti-inflammatories and 2,270 doses of narcotics, which could amount to about 150 doses of drugs per player each year. This high prescription rate is alarming, as it suggests a potential for misuse and dependency on these drugs.

Toradol Usage

Toradol, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug often used to manage postoperative pain, has been used frequently in the NFL. Despite guidelines against prophylactic use, players were seen receiving Toradol injections for at least 15 years before games. A 2014 survey revealed that on average, 26.7 players — more than half the active roster — took at least one dose of Toradol on game day [5].

The regular use of Toradol in anticipation of pain rather than for treating existing injuries raises ethical and health concerns. Furthermore, as seen in a 2010 email from a New York Jets assistant trainer, the team had used 1,031 doses of Toradol in 2008 (Washington Post), hinting at the extent of the drug's use within the league.

Legal Ramifications

The allegations against the NFL and its teams have led to legal consequences. The lawsuit filed by former players accuses NFL teams of violating federal laws governing prescription drugs and disregarding guidance from the Drug Enforcement Administration [5].

It is alleged that teams plied their players with powerful painkillers and anti-inflammatories each season, with seven team doctors testifying to violating federal laws or regulations while serving as team doctors.

These revelations have shed light on the troubling practices within the NFL and have raised important questions about the league's responsibility and accountability when it comes to player health and safety. The controversy surrounding the NFL's use of painkillers is a stark reminder of the need for strict regulation and oversight in professional sports.