How Multiple Concussions In Football Have Lead to a Career Change For Some

As concussions, future brain damage and all other injuries weigh in the minds of most players, there are many who ultimately choose to continue to play, and for various reasons. However, even with that desire, football’s violent nature continues to push more and more young Americans away from the sport. A good example of this can be found on the racetrack. Former NASCAR pit crew veteran Dion “Rocko” Williams spent thirteen years as a pit crew member performing various tasks for big-time drivers such as Jeff Gordon and Chase Elliott. Prior to his career in racing, Williams spent his entire life focused on football. He played as a linebacker for Wake Forest University from 2001-2003, and managed to reach the N.F.L. level as a participant on the Minnesota Vikings preseason roster in 2004. However, multiple head injuries, including one in particular, ultimately forced him to leave the sport behind. In an article written by Joe Rodgers from Sporting News, “Williams suffered an NFL career-ending seventh concussion three games into his pro career, during the 2004 preseason with the Vikings, his agent reached out to a NASCAR recruiter hoping to keep Williams’ athletic career going.” In another article written by Ryan Bergeron from CNN, Williams recalls how everything took place. “It was a special teams play. I was running full speed down the field and got knocked out again. I was dizzy. I had blurred vision. I knew I was done as a football player after that hit.” Williams was able to find a great deal of success as a pit crew member, and ultimately retired from his role in 2017. He now serves as a national recruiter for pit crew development in NASCAR’s Drive for Diversity program, mainly seeking for “college athletes with the skill sets that could transition to NASCAR.” Although Williams was able to find success outside of football, it came involuntarily. This further exemplifies the overall impact of injuries in football, particularly those to the head, and how many are forced to find success outside of the sport.