I would agree that before, the risks from injuries like concussions were not known. In this era, however, most people playing these contact sports like footbal

I would agree that before, the risks from injuries like concussions were not known. In this era, however, most people playing these contact sports like football and hockey know about them. And if they play at a high-enough level such that they can play in college, then the level of care and attention they get is even higher. If they don't play at a high enough level, their career effectively ends at high school. And it's in the best interest of colleges to pay heed and educate the students on the risks as well. It's not just the NFL that is at risk to litigation, it's also the entire college system. Given the amount of litigation that colleges face, they also probably pay as much attention to things like concussions and career-ending injuries as the NFL does. So I disagree that these days most people don't understand the risks. I believe the risks are well ingrained throughout the entire system. And people are willing to take those risks, which is their right.