From Concussion to Comeback

For an NFL player, a comeback is often measured in games played. For David Edwards, it also meant feeling like himself again with the people he loves.

When pushing harder wasn’t enough

David was accustomed to demanding physical work. After his concussion, however, he faced difficulties that extended into everyday life.

Our original article describes dizziness, vision problems, memory lapses, and persistent trouble sleeping. Even after consulting specialists, he continued to struggle.

For David, this was about more than returning to the field. The symptoms affected how he felt throughout the day and left him searching for answers.

A new starting point with brain mapping

Through his longstanding work with sports psychologist Dr. Carrie Hastings, David was introduced to neuroscientist Bryan Hixson for an EEG brain map.

David described reviewing his brain activity as a turning point in how he understood his experience. Seeing the measurements gave him a more concrete way to discuss what he had been feeling and consider the training ahead.

At Brain Performance Center, that conversation matters. We consider brain activity alongside a person’s history, current concerns, and goals when discussing an individualized approach.

Like physical therapy for his brain

David’s description of neurofeedback was simple:

“It was like physical therapy, but for my brain.”David Edwards, as quoted in our original article

That comparison captures the idea of practice guided by feedback. In David’s account, neurofeedback became a process he worked through over time.

He reported changes in focus, mood, energy, and balance as his journey progressed. He also described something harder to measure: renewed hope.

A comeback that reached beyond football

When David reflected on the experience, he spoke about his career and his ability to be a father, husband, brother, and son.

Those roles give his story its meaning. A clearer day can mean more than improved performance. It can mean feeling able to participate in the relationships and routines that matter most.

Adapted from Brain Performance Center’s original David Edwards article. Personal experiences and the quotation are attributed to that account. Football photograph from the original article.