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Playing college football can cause serious injury including traumatic brain injuries. On September 27, 2014, the Michigan State University Quarterback, had to be helped off the field by teammates after being severely hit in the head during the fourth quarter of a game against the University of Minnesota according to CBS Detroit. Although Shane Morris was "wobbly", Coach Brady Hoke kept Shane in for the next play. On Tuesday, September 30, Athletic Director, Dave Brandon issued a statement that later it had been determined that Morris had a "probable mild concussion".

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), sports is second only to motor vehicle accidents as the leading cause of TBI for 15 to 24 year olds.  Every year in the United States 1.6 to 3.8 million concussions result from sports injuries.

Over the past few years, a number of stories about professional football player TBIs have been reported including that of former NFL player, Ben Utecht, of the Cincinnati Bengals and Indianapolis Colts who suffered five known concussions on the football field, eventually ending his career at the age of 29. Since then, Ben has become a national spokesperson for the American Brain Foundation (ABF).

TBI occurs when a sudden trauma, often a blow or jolt to the head, causes damage to the brain. The severity of TBI can range from mild (a concussion) to severe (coma). A concussion may cause temporary confusion and headache and sometimes cause permanent cognitive changes, while a severe TBI can be fatal according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).

Levels of brain trauma are characterized by the following:

Mild (Concussion): A person with a mild TBI (awake), which is also called a concussion, may remain conscious or may experience a loss of consciousness for a few seconds or minutes or perhaps not at all. Typical symptoms and cognitive problems can include confusion, memory and attention difficulties, headache and behavioral problems.

Moderate: A person with a moderate TBI is often lethargic with their eyes open to stimulation and may lose consciousness for 20 minutes to six hours. He/she may experience some brain swelling or bleeding causing sleepiness, but is still able to be aroused.

Severe (Coma): A person with a severe TBI is typically in a coma state for more than six hours. (Source: Brain Trauma Foundation)

The ABF reports the symptoms of TBI include:

• headache
• confusion or disorientation
• lightheadedness or blackouts
• dizziness
• blurred vision or tired eyes
• slurred/unclear speech
• bad taste or vomiting
• delayed or slowed spoken or physical responses
•  change in sleep patterns, drowsiness
• behavioral or mood changes
• trouble with memory, concentration, attention