/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/48436989/usa-today-8997776.0.jpg)
Somewhere around Star War Episode VII's release, there was also the release of Concussion, a movie that takes a look at the impacts of head trauma within the NFL and how repeated concussions can impact a player's future health. The movie, which is garnering star Will Smith award considerations, is one that could help fans better understand the issues with the NFL and some of the changes the league is making for player safety.
There has been mixed reactions to the movie's release, with many fans of the game saying they will not see the movie because of the theme of the movie. There are some who want to see the movie to get a better understanding of Dr. Bennet Omalu's work.
One person who did see the movie recently was Miami Dolphins wide receiver Kenny Stills, who the asked for fan reactions to the film:
what'd you guys think of the movie concussion?
— Kenny Stills (@KSTiLLS) December 25, 2015
He got several responses, some from people who did not intend to ever see the movie, and some who had already seen it:
@KSTiLLS not gonna go see it. I'm afraid it's the beginning of the political agenda to dismantle football.
— Jana Lehmann (@jlehmj) December 25, 2015
@KSTiLLS @ConcussionMovie #WillSmith will win an Oscar. The technology/findings used to support his position can not be ignored.
— Rep. Kionne McGhee (@kionnemcghee) December 25, 2015
@KSTiLLS - just saw it tonight. Great movie - very scary what playing the game can do and what the NFL was willing to do to hide it.
— Tammy gilmer (@Tammygilmer) December 26, 2015
@KSTiLLS rather go see Star Wars
— mattylac (@matthewlac) December 25, 2015
@KSTiLLS I think I have 0 intention of watching it
— Tyler Edwards (@TylerEdwards_) December 25, 2015
@KSTiLLS it's really good if you understand what kind of movie you're watching.
— Beezy (@BlakeHarris25) December 25, 2015
@KSTiLLS everybody went to go see Star Wars for the third time. Good luck with the responses though.
— Poe Dabberon (@GenzerOfDade) December 25, 2015
@KSTiLLS concussion is a Big problem for NFL but that movie is just a movie
— Peter (@Giaguarofan) December 25, 2015
@KSTiLLS @OmarKelly think football players signed up for this and would do it again regardless of concussions
— Noble Smith (@Thenobleone79) December 25, 2015
@KSTiLLS everyone needs to realize that IT'S A MOVIE. Yes the situation was real but there is going to be some DRAMATIZATION. #ITSAMOVIE
— Dustin Mattocks (@jaedeeim) December 25, 2015
The most interesting part, of course, was Stills' own thoughts on the movie.
I thought it was eye opening. also helped me to understand why they're trying to make the game safe. https://t.co/Sae8SNNbbk
— Kenny Stills (@KSTiLLS) December 25, 2015
If players go into the movie and get a better understanding of the dangers of head injuries, and see why the NFL is trying to prevent concussions to such a degree, maybe the movie will actually help the league. The common wisdom is that the league wants to pretend the movie does not exist and that they hope no one sees it. After one player's reaction to it, however, maybe the league needs players, at least, to see it.
Will you see the movie? Have you seen it? What did you think?