Approximately 1.7 million people in the U.S. sustain a traumatic brain injury each year and between 2000 and 2012 more than 244,000 service members have been diagnosed with TBI. Outside of the military, nearly 2 million people across our country suffer a TBI each year, including NFL players and athletes of all ages in all sports.

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, U.S. Army Vice Chief of Staff General J. Lloyd Austin, III and Reps. Mike Thompson (CA-1) and Gus Bilirakis, co-chairs of the Congressional  Military Veterans Caucus joined forces to discuss a collaborative, public-private effort to combat traumatic brain injury (TBI). 

Goodell and Austin addressed 24 members of Congress and outlined the program designed to share information, increase awareness  and education, and enhance the discussion about head injuries.

"Too many American heroes defending our nation overseas, and too many athletes who give their heart and soul to our nation's most popular sport are suffering from traumatic brain injuries," Thompson said. "We need a public-private partnership that brings together the resources and best research to develop the technology and equipment needed to best prevent brain injury. Working together with leaders in Congress, the NFL and Army we can make smart investments in the kind of equipment and technology that will drastically reduce traumatic brain injury."

Goodell said he appreciates the leadership of Reps. Thompson and Bilirakis and the participation of General Austin and two dozen members of Congress. 

"Working together we can lead in raising awareness on this issue that affects players in all sports, our men and women in the armed forces, and the broader public," Goodwell said.

Austin said they have made great strides in recent years in their efforts to better prevent, diagnose and treat traumatic brain injuries. 

"TBI affects a significant portion of our population, and not just within our military ranks or among professional athletes, but across society as a whole," Austin said. "What we do know is that with proper physical and mental rest, the vast majority of individuals who experience a TBI will fully recover. And so, our goal is to continue to educate folks and to pursue the kinds of partnerships, like the one we share with the NFL, that will lead to further advances sooner in the areas of research, science & technology and treatment methods. "