ORLANDO, Fla. — Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin suffered a sudden cardiac arrest after taking a hit during a game Monday night — an incident that has re-ignited concerns about the adverse health impacts of football.

Experts say a growing body of research has shown football players at all levels are at increased risk of severe conditions — including long-term brain and nervous system disorders.

“It’s difficult in football,” said Dr. Tom Winters, a sports medicine doctor and orthopedic surgeon. “These guys just get pounded — you have no idea. And the amount of injuries we see is just astronomical.”

Winters said he has treated athletes at all levels of play. He said that even though high school players rarely experience a hit with the kind of force players see in college or professional football, the impacts of injuries incurred on the field can be enduring. 

“You’re still getting hit and the trauma is magnified,” said Winters.

According to an Orange County Public Schools spokesperson, the school district requires the presence of medical personnel at all sports games and student athletes are also required to take electrocardiogram exams to test for possible cardiac conditions. 

Florida law also requires that any public school member of the Florida High School Athletic Association keep has an automated external defibrillator at every practice, game, or workout, along with a trained operator. Winters applauded the schools for their efforts, but said even strong preventative measures don’t always work in a game as rough as football. 

“Of the 338 players that I’ve seen, I’ve asked all of them the same thing — 90% of them say they don’t want their kids to play football," he said.

Reports from the hospital where Damar Hamlin is being treated indicate his condition is improving, although he remained in critical condition as of Thursday.