This is a word, a podcast from Slate. I'm your host, Jason Johnson. The NFL was struck

by tragedy this week as Buffalo Bill's player, Demar Hamlin, suffered cardiac arrest

on the field during a Monday night football game. Though Hamlin seems to be recovering,

the incident renewed questions about whether it's even possible to make the NFL safer.

The problem with football is football. It always has been, when you play this sport, this

is the price.

Demar Hamlin in safety in the NFL, coming up on a word with me, Jason Johnson. Stay with us.

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Welcome to a word, a podcast about race and politics and everything else. I'm your host,

Jason Johnson. For the NFL, this time of year is supposed to bring excitement as teams

fight it out on the field to earn their spot in the playoffs. But this year's postseason will

start on a somber note. After Buffalo Bill's player, Demar Hamlin suffered a cardiac arrest early

in a Monday night football game against the Cincinnati Bengals. After getting knocked down during

a totally unremarkable play, Hamlin stood momentarily only to collapse back onto the field.

Hamlin endured more than nine minutes of CPR before his heartbeat was restored and he was taken

to a local hospital. At this time, Hamlin remains in critical condition but seems to be on the road

to recovery. Still the incident reminded fans about the dangers of the sport. But is there anything

that can realistically be done to make football a safer game? And what will do the athletes,

league officials, team owners and even the fans play in that effort? Joining us to talk more about

this is Howard Bryant. He's a veteran sports journalist and the author of several books including

...