Require Independent Medical Evaluations for NFL players

Recent signers:
Stephanie cox and 15 others have signed recently.

The Issue

Football has been a major part of my life since I was young. I’ve played the sport myself, experienced injuries, and seen firsthand how athletes are often expected to push through pain and stay silent. Because of that, player safety is not just a headline to me—it is personal.

Every NFL season, players suffer serious injuries such as concussions, neck trauma, and long-term brain damage. Too often, the same organizations that benefit from players returning quickly are tied to the medical staffs evaluating these injuries. This presents a conflict of interest that can lead to decisions prioritizing wins and financial gain over players' long-term health.

The current system does not adequately protect players. For the sake of the athletes who give their all on the field, we must ensure that medical decisions are based on health, not wins, money, or external pressure. NFL players deserve objective, impartial advice from medical professionals who have no ties to team finances or success.

Therefore, we urge the NFL to implement a policy requiring independent doctors to conduct all injury evaluations and make return-to-play decisions. These doctors should have no affiliation with the teams or league, ensuring that their only priority is the health and well-being of the players.

Implementing this change is not only crucial for the players' future health but also vital for the integrity of the NFL. By prioritizing player safety, the NFL can set an example in sports medicine and athlete welfare that will resonate across all professional sports.

Sign this petition to support the health and safety of NFL players. Let's urge the NFL to do what is right and safeguard its players from preventable, long-term harm. By signing, you are helping push for a necessary change to ensure that football remains a sport where player well-being is prioritized over profit and performance. Together, we can make a difference.

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Recent signers:
Stephanie cox and 15 others have signed recently.

The Issue

Football has been a major part of my life since I was young. I’ve played the sport myself, experienced injuries, and seen firsthand how athletes are often expected to push through pain and stay silent. Because of that, player safety is not just a headline to me—it is personal.

Every NFL season, players suffer serious injuries such as concussions, neck trauma, and long-term brain damage. Too often, the same organizations that benefit from players returning quickly are tied to the medical staffs evaluating these injuries. This presents a conflict of interest that can lead to decisions prioritizing wins and financial gain over players' long-term health.

The current system does not adequately protect players. For the sake of the athletes who give their all on the field, we must ensure that medical decisions are based on health, not wins, money, or external pressure. NFL players deserve objective, impartial advice from medical professionals who have no ties to team finances or success.

Therefore, we urge the NFL to implement a policy requiring independent doctors to conduct all injury evaluations and make return-to-play decisions. These doctors should have no affiliation with the teams or league, ensuring that their only priority is the health and well-being of the players.

Implementing this change is not only crucial for the players' future health but also vital for the integrity of the NFL. By prioritizing player safety, the NFL can set an example in sports medicine and athlete welfare that will resonate across all professional sports.

Sign this petition to support the health and safety of NFL players. Let's urge the NFL to do what is right and safeguard its players from preventable, long-term harm. By signing, you are helping push for a necessary change to ensure that football remains a sport where player well-being is prioritized over profit and performance. Together, we can make a difference.

The Decision Makers

NRL Players' Association
NRL Players' Association

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Petition created on April 16, 2026