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Football is a remarkably dangerous game, regardless of how many rules the NFL changes to make it less so.
But because we cannot study the brains of players until after they have passed away, we likely don’t see the full extent the damage the game has taken on them until after that point.
Sadly, that’s not the case with Carolina Panthers tight end Hayden Hurst.
Hurst, 30, suffered a concussion against the Chicago Bears in Week 10. Everybody knows by this point that concussions are prevalent in the NFL and symptoms can often linger.
But rarely do we find out about some of long-term symptoms.
For Hurst, who has not yet returned to playing, one of these long-term symptoms is post-traumatic amnesia.
“@haydenrhurst has been diagnosed with Post Traumatic Amnesia by an independent neurologist as a result of the hit he took in Chicago November 9. Slow recovery, don’t know when he’ll be back. Prayers appreciated,” Hurst’s father Jerry posted on X.
Hurst, a former first round pick of the Baltimore Ravens in 2018, returned to practice in partial capacity on Wednesday. But he says he’s still not ready to return to game action.
“I appreciate everyone reaching out & checking on me. I suffered a pretty nasty concussion against the Bears a few weeks ago & don’t remember up to 4 hours after the game. Scary situation but the Panthers have been incredible walking me through this process,” he posted.
Despite the terrifying long-term diagnosis, Hurst says that it should not end his football career.
“While it was scary, it is NOT career ending,” he wrote. “I’m starting my return to play this week, so fingers crossed I make it back for the last few weeks! God Bless & Keep Pounding!!!!”
Hopefully Hurst is able to make a full recovery. But it’s a scary peek behind the curtain of what NFL players so often deal with.