Bernie Kosar warns against playing through concussions

Former Browns quarterback Bernie Kosar couldn't help but recall his playing days as he watched Colt McCoy reenter the game against Pittsburgh on Thursday night after taking a helmet-to-helmet hit from Steelers linebacker James Harrison.

The matter has generated controversy, with McCoy's father, Brad, suggesting that the Browns passer should never have returned to the field. As a result, representatives from the NFL and NFL Players Association will meet with Colt and the Browns medical staff Tuesday.

Kosar told the team's "Cleveland Browns Daily" radio show this week that the increased attention around concussions is appropriate -- and a major departure from when he played.

"The concussion's ... something I'm pretty familiar with from playing ... and getting so many in my career. The medicine has come so far ... back in the '80s, guys, you know, thought it was a headache, thought it was a sign of weakness to ... (not) play because of a headache.

"... That type of -- I don't know, I want to say Neanderthal -- thought, unfortunately I had and wanted to get back in there -- and you pay the price later. You pay the price now as you start getting in your late 40s and early 50s, and it's not pleasant."

Kosar said his coaches rarely had a choice to put him back into a game, as he'd run out onto the field before any tangible conversation occurred.
McCoy has played through a variety of injuries in what's been described as a season-long tryout for the starting job. According to Kosar, NFL quarterbacks detest seeing someone else in their spot, pushing them to recklessly ignore pain. Even when it's much more than just a headache.



(nfl.com)