The Redskins’ Montae Nicholson Was Left Violently Twitching After Terrifying Helmet-to-Helmet Hit

He returned to the game 30 minutes later.

Brandon Friederich

Oct 16, 2017

WTF! I feel like we all need a reminder of what we are watching. In case you didn't see this #nfl pic.twitter.com/2IG2omAIR7

— Domonique (@Foxworth24) October 15, 2017

There’s no denying that football players at all levels are subject to concussions. Those who watched the Washington Redskins and San Francisco 49ers face off on Sunday saw a dramatic example of head trauma’s terrifying effects in real time.

Towards the end of the second half, Redskins rookie Montae Nicholson took a direct hit to the head that sent his helmet flying and left him convulsing on the field for seconds after the end of the play.

Here’s another look:

Pierre Garcon demolishes Montae Nicholson at the end of a run.

Nicholson was banged up on the play but walked off okay. #Redskins pic.twitter.com/NWCA7X9wbB

— Chad Ryan (@ChadwikoTWW) October 15, 2017

As USA Today notes, the unnatural positioning of Nicholson’s arms and legs after the hit are consistent with a concussion symptom known as the fencing response.

Even so, he was medically cleared during halftime and returned to the game 30 minutes later.

Montae Nicholson was evaluated for a potential concussion and a shoulder injury, has been cleared of a concussion and has returned to game.

— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) October 15, 2017

Montae Nicholson, who was down on the field injured for nearly five minutes in first half, has returned to the game.

— Charlie Broaddus (@CharlieBroaddus) October 15, 2017

The incident prompted a heated debate among fans who disagreed on the severity of the injury and whether Nicholson should been put back in.

@Deluxe2481 he kept running in place after he got knocked out and his foot started shaking, scary !

— Bryce Hartzell (@BryceHartzell) October 15, 2017

I would disagree. He was out cold.

— Bryce Hartzell (@BryceHartzell) October 16, 2017

What’s bad about that? It’s football, it happens

— Miguel Alfaro (@24_Miguel_24) October 15, 2017

https://twitter.com/andrewconnolly0/status/919699032666238976

@CraigHoffman how is Montae Nicholson back out there after being out cold.

— Cory (@Cory_kidd) October 15, 2017

what about CTE? He and all of them need more x-rays or MR I! Don't let these players get to that Please! Find better protection

— Kathylasota2935@gmai (@kathylasota2935) October 16, 2017

In light of recent research that found widespread degenerative brain disease among deceased NFL players, incidents like this are even scarier.

What do you think?

h/t: BroBible