Concussions in NCAA Varsity Football Athletes: A Qualitative Investigation of Player Perception and Return to Sport

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to understand the experiences and perspectives of varsity football athletes on return to play following a concussion injury. METHODS: Two experienced interviewers conducted qualitative, semistructured interviews of college-level football players who had sustained at least one concussion during their varsity careers. RESULTS: Twenty varsity football players who averaged 2.3 concussions each (range, 1–5) were interviewed regarding peer pressure, the culture of football, and player awareness as factors affecting return to sport following a concussion. Less common secondary factors included risk management, severity and timing of the injury, and team support. CONCLUSIONS: Psychological stressors, the culture of football, and increased awareness were the most influential factors affecting collegiate football players' deciding to return to sport following a concussion. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III