John Sullivan Suffered Fifth Career Concussion Last Week

Minnesota Vikings center John Sullivan exited Sunday’s game against the Buffalo Bills with concussion-like symptoms.  Later on, it was discovered that Sullivan did indeed suffer a concussion in the team’s loss, but that wasn’t the only news to come out of the injury.

In an interview later in the week, John Sullivan revealed that this was his fifth concussion in his 11 year college and NFL career.

In a day and age where concussions are treated in a much more serious manner than in the past, injuries to the brain and head are mainstream news.  A lot of research has gone into the effects of multiple head injures and that has even resulted in lawsuits against the NFL because of the damages that they have resulted in.

Here is what John Sullivan told 1500 ESPN about his concussions:

"Dec 1, 2013; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings center John Sullivan (65) gets ready to snap the ball in the game with the Chicago Bears in the fourth quarter at Mall of America Field at H.H.H. Metrodome. Vikings win 23-20 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports“No one knows the true answer, it’s not about the number, specifically. If you were to have five concussions where your symptoms subsided quickly and you don’t miss a game, is that as bad having one that keeps you out for six months? There’s a little give and take there and I’ve always been able to recuperate quickly, I feel like my future isn’t in doubt.”"

Sullivan was also asked if the number of concussions that he has sustained will change the way he plays football from here on out.

"“I’ll play the exact same way regardless. You can talk about the number, but if I had lied my way back onto the field, I’d still be at four, so what difference would that make? The point is, don’t get caught up on the specific number, that means I was just honest five times.”"

That’s the scary part.  While Sullivan seems to be honest about his concussion history, there are many players that most likely haven’t been.  A player should never risk their future as a human being for their football career.  Hopefully, more players are honest about their head injuries and can work harder to prevent long term damage to their brain.