The National Football League (NFL) has been criticized for the long-lasting medical consequences of game-related head injuries to players. The question that arises is; Is the NFL to blame for the deaths of former players like Junior Seau, Jovan Belcher, Ray Easterling and/or OJ Murdock? The medical and scientific factors as well as legal responsibilities regarding brain injuries will be outlined in this document. Brain injuries can play an important role in football. Recurrent concussions also occur due to these brain injuries and cause permanent damage to these athletes. Medical trainers and doctors diagnose these brain injuries as loss of consciousness, slurred speech, loss of balance, and memory loss. In football they could improve the safety of helmets; improve safety rules or regulations in all sports to help prevent concussions. Football helmets are the most important piece of equipment and have been revolutionized since football began. According to Forthofer (21012), when football was a new sport between 1860 and 1896, helmets were not used. The first helmets used were made of moleskin or leather and were very uncomfortable and hot (Forthofer, 2012). In situations where the player is injured due to faulty equipment, the NFL league should be held fully responsible. Although the benefits of helmet design are extensive, football players find themselves in dangerous and sometimes unexpected situations on the field. Players run and hit each other at full speed without taking into account what they are doing and considering the consequences. Sometimes, with head injuries, these players may not feel any symptoms until later in the day, or even during the day... middle of paper... In the legal side of things, the NFL can be held responsible for these injuries. It's not up to the players themselves to provide the equipment they wear, it's up to the NFL. If this equipment is faulty or does not protect players as it should, then they must take responsibility. Many have said it's the players' fault for choosing to do this job. They may have chosen the job, but they didn't choose to get hurt in such a significant way. As previously stated, this is another class act in getting hurt on the job. On May 2, 2012, former NFL player Junior Seau took his own life. This was due to the head trauma and the fact that he was no longer able to manage his life due to the mental state the head injuries had put him in. The big question is whether the NFL is responsible for his (and others) suicide.