Join us for the 2026 Speaker Series kickoff, hosted by Michigan Athletics and the University of Michigan Concussion Center, on Thursday, April 9, at 11:00 AM, featuring internationally recognized neurosurgeon and sports safety leader Dr. Allen Sills. In his presentation, “Can Football Be Made Safer? How Data is Informing Rules, Equipment and Coaching,” Dr. Sills will explore how large-scale injury surveillance, biomechanics research, and advances in clinical care are shaping evidence-based improvements across the sport, while thoughtfully examining the path forward for making the game safer at every level.

Date: Thursday, April 9, 2026
Time: 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM Eastern Time
Location: Junge Family Champions Center or Zoom

About Dr. Sills: Dr. Allen Sills serves as Chief Medical Officer of the National Football League (NFL), where he leads efforts to advance the health and safety of the sport. A board-certified neurosurgeon specializing in the care of athletes, Dr. Sills is Professor of Neurological Surgery at Vanderbilt University Medical Center and Founder and former Co-Director of the Vanderbilt Sports Concussion Center.

In his role with the NFL, Dr. Sills oversees the league’s Head Injury Reduction Plan—a comprehensive, data-driven strategy designed to reduce concussion incidence through rule modifications, equipment innovation, and coaching and technique improvements. Since its implementation, the initiative has been associated with increased reporting transparency and reductions in certain head injuries, alongside continued efforts to minimize head impacts across the game.