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Chris Nowinski, Ph.D.

@ChrisNowinski1 • 62,158 subscribers

Founding CEO @ConcussionCTEfn, neuroscientist, author, speaker, former @WWE Superstar. Fighting to End CTE & for concussion safety without compromise.

Shorts

Delon Wright with a brutal traumatic brain injury here. Note the double impact - he's unconscious after the head-to-head hit, so he can't protect himself on the fall and took a second hit from the hard floor. Hope he is able to recover quickly. #concussion

Delon Wright with a brutal traumatic brain injury here. Note the double impact - he's unconscious after the head-to-head hit, so he can't protect himself on the fall and took a second hit from the hard floor. Hope he is able to recover quickly. #concussion

2,997,520 просмотров

Horror hit in the Jacksonville - Kennesaw game. Immediate fencing response. I feel terrible for this poor kid. Right or wrong time to remind you that the #NCAA & colleges still refuse to acknowledge football causes #CTE or support former players?

Horror hit in the Jacksonville - Kennesaw game. Immediate fencing response. I feel terrible for this poor kid. Right or wrong time to remind you that the #NCAA & colleges still refuse to acknowledge football causes #CTE or support former players?

2,091,467 просмотров

Jaxson Dart returned after this hit? When a guy fumbles & doesn't realize it... after his head bounces off the ground... what more could you possibly need? It's a #concussion. Expect fines, but fines won't undo how this example puts kids at risk 🤬🤬🤬

Jaxson Dart returned after this hit? When a guy fumbles & doesn't realize it... after his head bounces off the ground... what more could you possibly need? It's a #concussion. Expect fines, but fines won't undo how this example puts kids at risk 🤬🤬🤬

287,103 просмотров

Bobrovsky with a clear SHAAKE after a hit to the head. Not evaluated. Time will tell whether he was clearing the cobwebs due to #concussion symptoms or was adjusting his mask as goalies sometimes do. But since he wasn't evaluated, we can never be sure. Team is taking a risk.

Bobrovsky with a clear SHAAKE after a hit to the head. Not evaluated. Time will tell whether he was clearing the cobwebs due to #concussion symptoms or was adjusting his mask as goalies sometimes do. But since he wasn't evaluated, we can never be sure. Team is taking a risk.

352,155 просмотров

Ugly ugly #concussion in the #Miami game. Years ago the #Miami medical staff actually invited me to visit and talk shop. I trust he's in good hands.

Ugly ugly #concussion in the #Miami game. Years ago the #Miami medical staff actually invited me to visit and talk shop. I trust he's in good hands.

116,711 просмотров

Investigate: Christian Benford was cleared from #concussion protocol 3 hours before the game after only one week off. This seemingly modest hit forced him off on a cart. When this impacts his career earnings, who will make him whole? They failed him.

Investigate: Christian Benford was cleared from #concussion protocol 3 hours before the game after only one week off. This seemingly modest hit forced him off on a cart. When this impacts his career earnings, who will make him whole? They failed him.

161,965 просмотров

The response from the coach leaves a lot to be desired after taking heat for a dangerous drill. Does he not know a safer way to gauge toughness or build resilience?

The response from the coach leaves a lot to be desired after taking heat for a dangerous drill. Does he not know a safer way to gauge toughness or build resilience?

23,312 просмотров

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When I initially posted on Anthony Stolarz I didn't know they initially left him in for more than two minutes until he started vomiting on the bench. We need to do better. PSA: If you vomit multiple times after a brain injury, get to the emergency room.

When I initially posted on Anthony Stolarz I didn't know they initially left him in for more than two minutes until he started vomiting on the bench. We need to do better. PSA: If you vomit multiple times after a brain injury, get to the emergency room.

Chris Nowinski, Ph.D.

4,693,926 просмотров • 1 год назад

Update: Anthony Stolarz likely suffered a first #comcussion 5 minutes into the game when he took a puck to face that knocked his mask off. 25 seconds after the hit he did a SHAAKE (Spontaneous Headshake after a Kinematic Event) which predicts concussion 72% of the time.

Update: Anthony Stolarz likely suffered a first #comcussion 5 minutes into the game when he took a puck to face that knocked his mask off. 25 seconds after the hit he did a SHAAKE (Spontaneous Headshake after a Kinematic Event) which predicts concussion 72% of the time.

Chris Nowinski, Ph.D.

4,151,223 просмотров • 1 год назад

Tua suffered a traumatic brain injury on this play, no question. His right arm shows the "fencing posture" indicating loss of consciousness & is on the severe end on the #concussion spectrum. He is done for the night and must miss the next game.

Tua suffered a traumatic brain injury on this play, no question. His right arm shows the "fencing posture" indicating loss of consciousness & is on the severe end on the #concussion spectrum. He is done for the night and must miss the next game.

Chris Nowinski, Ph.D.

5,920,876 просмотров • 1 год назад

Concussion care in college football games is trending toward criminal. #ODU QB Quinn Henicle's arms go limp here because he's half-conscious from the hit to his head. He shouldn't be back in the game. Fire everyone.

Concussion care in college football games is trending toward criminal. #ODU QB Quinn Henicle's arms go limp here because he's half-conscious from the hit to his head. He shouldn't be back in the game. Fire everyone.

Chris Nowinski, Ph.D.

1,505,780 просмотров • 7 месяцев назад

This unpenalized hit on DeVonta Smith that caused a traumatic brain injury needs to be discussed tomorrow. If it's open season on the heads of defenseless players, it's going to be a long year.

This unpenalized hit on DeVonta Smith that caused a traumatic brain injury needs to be discussed tomorrow. If it's open season on the heads of defenseless players, it's going to be a long year.

Chris Nowinski, Ph.D.

2,389,327 просмотров • 1 год назад

Drake Maye with a classic SHAAKE here immediately after his head hit the turf with extraordinary force. Even if he clears the exam, we all know what he felt and a smart team does not put him back in the game. But we'll see...

Drake Maye with a classic SHAAKE here immediately after his head hit the turf with extraordinary force. Even if he clears the exam, we all know what he felt and a smart team does not put him back in the game. But we'll see...

Chris Nowinski, Ph.D.

739,724 просмотров • 9 месяцев назад

Prayers for Mike Evans after this #concussion & shoulder injury. Worth listening to the broadcasters strain to avoid suggesting a possible concussion. Gentlemen. hamstring & shoulder injuries don't make you lie COMPLETELY still like you are unconscious...

Prayers for Mike Evans after this #concussion & shoulder injury. Worth listening to the broadcasters strain to avoid suggesting a possible concussion. Gentlemen. hamstring & shoulder injuries don't make you lie COMPLETELY still like you are unconscious...

Chris Nowinski, Ph.D.

681,291 просмотров • 9 месяцев назад

NFL players have 42x the risk of dying from ALS before age 50, according to a new study from Concussion & CTE Foundation, Mass General Brigham, Harvard, and the Boston University CTE Center that I coauthored and was published last week in eClinicalMedicine, an open-access journal from The Lancet. There is clearly a connection between repetitive head impacts, CTE, and ALS, and it affects more than just NFL players. Former college players are likely at elevated risk too, which doesn’t surprise me as two former players from my college football team, Harvard – Michael Vollmer ’90 and Mike Ernst ’83 – have both developed ALS. With only 33 NFL players – from 30 teams – dying of ALS between 1960-2019, having two from only college football programs is extremely unlikely unless it’s linked to playing football. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive disease that destroys the nerve cells controlling muscle movement. While ALS is uncommon in the general population, researchers say these findings provide the strongest evidence yet that we need to explore head impacts in sports as a cause of ALS.

NFL players have 42x the risk of dying from ALS before age 50, according to a new study from Concussion & CTE Foundation, Mass General Brigham, Harvard, and the Boston University CTE Center that I coauthored and was published last week in eClinicalMedicine, an open-access journal from The Lancet. There is clearly a connection between repetitive head impacts, CTE, and ALS, and it affects more than just NFL players. Former college players are likely at elevated risk too, which doesn’t surprise me as two former players from my college football team, Harvard – Michael Vollmer ’90 and Mike Ernst ’83 – have both developed ALS. With only 33 NFL players – from 30 teams – dying of ALS between 1960-2019, having two from only college football programs is extremely unlikely unless it’s linked to playing football. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive disease that destroys the nerve cells controlling muscle movement. While ALS is uncommon in the general population, researchers say these findings provide the strongest evidence yet that we need to explore head impacts in sports as a cause of ALS.

Chris Nowinski, Ph.D.

25,812 просмотров • 14 дней назад

Today we announced, on behalf of the Kneeland family, that former Dallas Cowboys DE Marshawn Kneeland has been diagnosed with stage 1 CTE by our research collaborators at Boston University CTE Center. Kneeland died by suicide in November 2025 at 24 years old. Despite playing in the modern era of concussion protocols and better helmets, he still developed CTE. What that tells me is we have no reason to believe the current generation is at a lower risk of CTE than previous generations. Concussion protocols do not prevent CTE, because CTE is caused by repeated head impacts, not just concussions. If we want to reduce CTE risk, we must implement CTE prevention protocols and aggressively reduce the number and strength of head impacts at every level of the game. Suicide is complex and multifactorial. A post-mortem CTE diagnosis should not be considered the cause of a suicide and is not known to be a risk factor for suicide. We encourage anyone worried about suspected CTE symptoms to reach out to he Concussion & CTE Foundation HelpLine team for support at If you or someone you know is struggling, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available 24/7 by calling or texting 988.

Today we announced, on behalf of the Kneeland family, that former Dallas Cowboys DE Marshawn Kneeland has been diagnosed with stage 1 CTE by our research collaborators at Boston University CTE Center. Kneeland died by suicide in November 2025 at 24 years old. Despite playing in the modern era of concussion protocols and better helmets, he still developed CTE. What that tells me is we have no reason to believe the current generation is at a lower risk of CTE than previous generations. Concussion protocols do not prevent CTE, because CTE is caused by repeated head impacts, not just concussions. If we want to reduce CTE risk, we must implement CTE prevention protocols and aggressively reduce the number and strength of head impacts at every level of the game. Suicide is complex and multifactorial. A post-mortem CTE diagnosis should not be considered the cause of a suicide and is not known to be a risk factor for suicide. We encourage anyone worried about suspected CTE symptoms to reach out to he Concussion & CTE Foundation HelpLine team for support at If you or someone you know is struggling, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available 24/7 by calling or texting 988.

Chris Nowinski, Ph.D.

33,395 просмотров • 20 дней назад

FIFA archaic #concussion policies on display here. No subs for a real concussion eval, so players get whatever the hell this is after being given minutes on the ground to let potential symptoms lessen. Also impressive how FIFA got Fox not to offer one replay of the head clash.

FIFA archaic #concussion policies on display here. No subs for a real concussion eval, so players get whatever the hell this is after being given minutes on the ground to let potential symptoms lessen. Also impressive how FIFA got Fox not to offer one replay of the head clash.

Chris Nowinski, Ph.D.

56,710 просмотров • 1 месяц назад

What happened to Old Dominion QB Quinn Henicle during Wednesday's bowl game is unacceptable. Henicle showed multiple unambiguous signs of concussion — yet he returned to play just MINUTES later. He appeared to be unconscious, but even if he wasn't, a five minute rushed sideline assessment cannot reliably rule out a concussion. Even though some college football players are now paid, they still deserve ethical medical care. Yet it doesn't seem like anyone cares in college football leadership. How do we fix this problem?

What happened to Old Dominion QB Quinn Henicle during Wednesday's bowl game is unacceptable. Henicle showed multiple unambiguous signs of concussion — yet he returned to play just MINUTES later. He appeared to be unconscious, but even if he wasn't, a five minute rushed sideline assessment cannot reliably rule out a concussion. Even though some college football players are now paid, they still deserve ethical medical care. Yet it doesn't seem like anyone cares in college football leadership. How do we fix this problem?

Chris Nowinski, Ph.D.

99,255 просмотров • 7 месяцев назад

Breaking: A 15-year-old athlete has been diagnosed with chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), making him the youngest known person ever identified with the disease. That's two years younger than the previous youngest reported case: a 17-year-old high school football player.

Breaking: A 15-year-old athlete has been diagnosed with chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), making him the youngest known person ever identified with the disease. That's two years younger than the previous youngest reported case: a 17-year-old high school football player.

Chris Nowinski, Ph.D.

22,016 просмотров • 1 месяц назад

Henry gets drilled in the head, then kicks Bryant on the way down. Both are slow to get up, a clear sign of #concussion. The only people who don't seem to notice? The broadcasters. NFL says you can't use the c-word until they tell you to. 🫡 So they pretend nothing is happening

Henry gets drilled in the head, then kicks Bryant on the way down. Both are slow to get up, a clear sign of #concussion. The only people who don't seem to notice? The broadcasters. NFL says you can't use the c-word until they tell you to. 🫡 So they pretend nothing is happening

Chris Nowinski, Ph.D.

71,719 просмотров • 5 месяцев назад

I’m deeply saddened to share that my friend and former New Zealand Rugby Union player, Shane Christie, was diagnosed with stage 3 CTE by researchers at the University of Auckland. He was just 39 when he passed away last year. As a member of our Australian advisory board, Shane was a powerful advocate for greater support for players living with brain injuries.

I’m deeply saddened to share that my friend and former New Zealand Rugby Union player, Shane Christie, was diagnosed with stage 3 CTE by researchers at the University of Auckland. He was just 39 when he passed away last year. As a member of our Australian advisory board, Shane was a powerful advocate for greater support for players living with brain injuries.

Chris Nowinski, Ph.D.

48,998 просмотров • 3 месяцев назад

Former Boston Bruins enforcer Lyndon Byers had stage 3 CTE. It’s heartbreaking, but sadly, it’s not surprising. For years, the science has continued to grow while NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman continues to deny the link between repetitive head impacts in hockey and CTE. Researchers at Boston University CTE Center have now diagnosed CTE in 19 out of the 20 former NHL players they’ve studied. This is not about attacking hockey. It’s about telling the truth, supporting players, and making sure the next generation doesn’t suffer in silence because the people in power refused to listen.

Former Boston Bruins enforcer Lyndon Byers had stage 3 CTE. It’s heartbreaking, but sadly, it’s not surprising. For years, the science has continued to grow while NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman continues to deny the link between repetitive head impacts in hockey and CTE. Researchers at Boston University CTE Center have now diagnosed CTE in 19 out of the 20 former NHL players they’ve studied. This is not about attacking hockey. It’s about telling the truth, supporting players, and making sure the next generation doesn’t suffer in silence because the people in power refused to listen.

Chris Nowinski, Ph.D.

17,881 просмотров • 2 месяцев назад

After sustaining a concussion in a Patriots vs. Chargers game on Sunday, Christian Gonzalez showed two key signs on the field that players and coaches everywhere should be aware of. One of them was the SHAAKE. It’s the motion you often see after a hit to the head, when someone quickly shakes their head back and forth. Thankfully, the concussion spotters noticed and removed him from the game. If you see an athlete display the SHAAKE after a hit to the head, they should be removed from the game and evaluated for concussion.

After sustaining a concussion in a Patriots vs. Chargers game on Sunday, Christian Gonzalez showed two key signs on the field that players and coaches everywhere should be aware of. One of them was the SHAAKE. It’s the motion you often see after a hit to the head, when someone quickly shakes their head back and forth. Thankfully, the concussion spotters noticed and removed him from the game. If you see an athlete display the SHAAKE after a hit to the head, they should be removed from the game and evaluated for concussion.

Chris Nowinski, Ph.D.

41,850 просмотров • 6 месяцев назад

Didn't give up all those years ago and not stopping until we #EndCTE. DM me to join the team.

Didn't give up all those years ago and not stopping until we #EndCTE. DM me to join the team.

Chris Nowinski, Ph.D.

36,613 просмотров • 7 месяцев назад

Excited to announce that colleagues & I have identified a new #concussion sign that's been hiding in plain sight. We named it Spontaneous Headshake After a Kinematic Event, or SHAAKE. Seen in movies & cartoons, it hasn't been in protocols, but should be.

Excited to announce that colleagues & I have identified a new #concussion sign that's been hiding in plain sight. We named it Spontaneous Headshake After a Kinematic Event, or SHAAKE. Seen in movies & cartoons, it hasn't been in protocols, but should be.

Chris Nowinski, Ph.D.

81,816 просмотров • 1 год назад

Brain injuries can be a life or death issue in professional wrestling. What often makes the biggest difference isn’t just the injury itself, but how it’s handled. Proper diagnosis, immediate care, and giving performers the time they need to truly recover can mean the difference between a safe return and long-term damage. I’m grateful for those in the wrestling world who stand with me in prioritizing brain health and are willing to take steps toward real change.

Brain injuries can be a life or death issue in professional wrestling. What often makes the biggest difference isn’t just the injury itself, but how it’s handled. Proper diagnosis, immediate care, and giving performers the time they need to truly recover can mean the difference between a safe return and long-term damage. I’m grateful for those in the wrestling world who stand with me in prioritizing brain health and are willing to take steps toward real change.

Chris Nowinski, Ph.D.

21,344 просмотров • 3 месяцев назад