In this bonus episode of My Favorite Mistake, I’m joined once again by Dr. Thom Mayer, the Medical Director for the NFL Players Association and one of USA Today’s 100 Most Important People in the NFL. Thom is back to share the results of one of the NFL’s most closely watched experiments — the 2024 “dynamic kickoff” rule change, designed to reduce injuries while preserving the excitement of the play.
✅ Concussions on kickoffs dropped 43%
✅ Kickoff return rates increased from 22% to 33%
✅ More returns, fewer injuries — and the work continues
We also dive into: Advances in helmet and guardian cap technology, the rise in shoulder injuries and what’s being done about it, why Thom’s motto is “Why not half?” when it comes to injury reduction, parallels between player safety, workplace safety, and patient safety in healthcare. Dr. Mayer offers a compelling view into how the NFL balances innovation, data, and player well-being in a high-stakes environment.
Anderson Cooper 360º: American spacecraft has landed on the moon for the first time in 50+ years
The lunar lander Odysseus, created by Houston-based company Intuitive Machines, successfully landed on the moon’s surface at 6:24p ET Thursday and has sent back its…
Paul Nicklen: A Reverence for Nature
Standing in front of any of Canadian photographer Paul Nicklen’s large-scale images in the current exhibition at Hilton Contemporary, one cannot help but be totally…
Thought Leader: Paul Nicklen
Sara Fischer: International Fund for Public Interest Media looks to raise $150M
This piece is by WWSG exclusive thought leader, Sara Fischer. An international fund that supports independent media on Wednesday unveiled an ambitious plan to raise…
Thought Leader: Sara Fischer
NFLPA Medical Director Dr. Thom Mayer on NFL Player Safety, Leadership, and Learning from Mistakes
Thought Leader: Thom Mayer
Dr. Thom Mayer Talks Leading Medical Efforts During Key Moments In History | The View
Thought Leader: Thom Mayer
Dr. Sanjay Gupta on the Women’s Health Gap
Thought Leader: Sanjay Gupta
