NFL death: What is heat stroke? Symptoms, signs, dangers – USA TODAY

With the start of NFL training camps just around the corner, last month’s death of former Dallas Cowboys running back Marion Barber due to heatstroke looms as a reminder to players, coaches and medical personnel of the danger that can result when intense physical exertion and extreme temperatures are combined.
Barber, 38, was found dead in a Dallas apartment on June 1 with a bathtub faucet running, the unit’s thermostat set to 91 degrees and the heat turned on. Officials also found exercise equipment in the apartment. According to a coroner’s report, Barber “was known to exercise in sauna-like conditions.”
STAY UP-TO-DATE: Subscribe to our Sports newsletter now!
Although Barber retired from the NFL after the 2011 season, his death brings to mind other instances of other players – at all different levels – who’ve had their lives cut short by complications from heatstroke on the football field.
Here’s what we know about heatstroke:
According to the Mayo Clinic, heatstroke is caused by the body overheating, “usually as a result of prolonged exposure, or physical exertion, in high temperatures.”
The Mayo Clinic refers to it as “the most serious form of heat injury.” It occurs if a body’s temperature rises to 104 degrees or higher. Untreated heatstroke can quickly damage a person’s brain, heart, kidneys and muscles.
Football practices, especially in the preseason, typically take place during the hottest part of the year. The prevalence of artificial surfaces, which are easier than grass to maintain, can raise on-field temperatures even higher.
According to data from the University of North Carolina’s National Center for Catastrophic Sport Injury, 11 football players have died from heatstroke during football-related activity over the past five years – with the total rising to 68 over the last 25 years. 
Offensive and defensive linemen are the most susceptible to overheating, accounting for nine of the 11 heatstroke deaths recorded from 2017-2021.
The dangers of heatstroke for football players first captured national attention in 2001, when Pro Bowl offensive tackle Korey Stringer of the Minnesota Vikings collapsed and died at NFL team’s first practice of the preseason. 
As a result, the NFL made several modifications to its policies regarding health and safety at practices. In addition, the league formed a partnership with Stringer’s widow Kelci, his agent Jimmy Gould and the University of Connecticut to establish the Korey Stringer Institute – to provide research, education and advocacy for athletes on all levels.
Other football players who have died from heatstroke:
The best way to prevent heatstroke is by taking precautions before any physical activity takes place. Athletes should be aware of their body weight and physical fitness limitations, especially when first starting workouts. 
Dr. Douglas J, Casa, PhD, professor of kinesiology at the University of Connecticut and the CEO of the Korey Stringer Institute, notes that any player who shows signs of disorientation, staggering, decreased performance or profuse sweating should be removed from play immediately for a medical assessment.
Medical experts should be immediately available to determine if the athlete is suffering from exertional heat stroke (body temp 104 degrees or higher). If so, the player should be placed upright in a tub filled with ice water.
“While treatment times may vary due to starting temperature, rapid cooling to 102 degrees within 30 minutes is imperative,” Dr. Casa says.
The KSI also suggests several steps football players can take to reduce the risk of heatstroke
Contributing: Kevin Allen

source

Leave a Comment