Minnesota Vikings offensive guard Alex Boone will return from a concussion this week with a new helmet designed to reduce the impact of collisions to the head. He does so somewhat begrudgingly as a promise to his family to take better care of himself after what he believes is the first concussion of his career.
Boone says he was willing to give in and play with a more modern helmet design and leave behind his older style of helmet that left him more vulnerable to head injuries because he loves the game so much. Stepping away at a time when many players are considering earlier retirement was not an option for Boone. He knows what the future holds at his position and the risks associated with his position, and he would have it no other way.
Boone talked to the St. Paul Pioneer-Press about recovering from what he thinks is the first concussion of his career.
“This is a brutal game,” Boone said. “I’m at a position where you’re getting hit constantly in the head. It’s one of those things where I know what’s going to happen to me someday. I signed up for this a long time ago, and I love this game more than anything. I know what’s going to happen, but at the end of the day, if I can try to help myself be smarter and be better, then I will.”
Boone missed last week’s game against the Detroit Lions and returned to practice this week after passing a NFL-mandated concussion test. Boone said the test was annoying, but he understands the reason for it.
“It’s annoying, but I understand it. It’s a process. This is a brutal game. It is what it is. Sometimes you get hit in the head and things go wrong. I have kids and the last thing I want to do is have them take care of me (when I’m) 35. It’s hard because I want to play and I want to do everything, but I want to be a dad at the same time.”
You do what you have to do to provide for your family, but NFL players never want to put themselves in danger of not being able to enjoy time with their family to the fullest.
