A new modification (mod) for the popular Madden NFL video game franchise seeks to simulate the symptoms of concussions, offering players a more realistic—and sobering—experience of the injury beyond its typical absence in the game. The mod, which is available free for the computer version of Madden NFL 26, introduces visual and sensory effects such as blurred vision, nausea, dizziness, increased heart rate, and ringing in the ears, mimicking the physical and cognitive impact of concussions sustained on the football field.

Madden NFL, officially developed by EA Sports, is widely regarded for its detailed replication of the National Football League, prominently featuring authentic plays, player tattoos, and signature moves. Yet, despite its realism, concussions—an increasingly serious issue in professional football—have traditionally been absent or understated in gameplay. A spokesperson for EA Sports declined to comment on the mod or the depiction of concussions in the series.

The mod was created through a collaboration between Klick Health, a healthcare marketing agency, and the Derek Sheely Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to concussion awareness. The foundation honors the memory of Derek Sheely, a former college football player who died at age 22 following a brain injury sustained during practice. Derek Sheely’s story, including the negligence he faced after reporting concussion symptoms, has driven efforts to raise public awareness about the risks and consequences of head injuries in football.

Though the mod’s reach among the millions of Madden players is limited, its creators hope it will prompt greater awareness of concussion risks. Kristen Thomson Sheely, executive director of the Derek Sheely Foundation, said the game’s popularity provides an opportunity to engage an audience that might not otherwise seek information about brain injuries or order concussion kits.

Former NFL linebacker Chris Borland, who retired early partly due to concerns about brain injuries, praised the mod’s attempt to raise consciousness but noted the limitations of virtual experiences. “It’s really realism up to a point,” Borland said, emphasizing that the real-life long-term effects of concussions—such as irritability or cognitive challenges—cannot be fully represented in a game.

Madden has previously included concussion features; Madden NFL 12, released in 2011, temporarily incorporated visible symptoms and sideline evaluations for concussed players, with commentary acknowledging the severity of head injuries. John Madden himself advocated for the issue’s prominence in the game, noting that portraying players playing through concussions could send the wrong message to youth. However, as awareness of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) and concussion-related lawsuits increased, these features were removed in subsequent years.

The NFL has reported a rise in concussions in recent seasons, with 168 reported during the last completed season, up from 129 previously. The league requires players exhibiting concussion signs to undergo evaluation under a sideline protocol that includes a private testing area. However, the NFL has historically maintained careful oversight over Madden’s depiction of injuries; a former league executive noted ongoing discussions with EA Sports about how to realistically portray concussions, given their unpredictable nature.

Other common football injuries, such as sprains and bruises, continue to be part of Madden gameplay, with users able to manage injured players or turn off injury effects altogether. Modifications remain a significant aspect of the gaming community, allowing fans to customize gameplay experiences beyond official releases.

At the conclusion of games using the concussion mod, players are reminded of Derek Sheely through a commemorative banner displaying his jersey number, 40, honoring his legacy and highlighting the real human toll behind the issue of brain injuries in football.