Just in time for Super Bowl Sunday, groundbreaking research has been released that could forever change the way the game is played.

Dr. Patric Stanton, from New York Medical College, was part of a global team of scientists that recently discovered the most conclusive evidence that incurable brain disease is likely caused by repeated hits to the head, not concussions.

The discovery is a game-changer for all sports, but especially football, where countless former players have been linked to Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy.

Stanton says one way to protect players is to develop special technology for helmets, such as accelerometers that measure impact.

He says even if a player hasn’t suffered a concussion, there may have been enough impact measured to pull a player out of a game.  

In a statement, the NFL said it is fully committed to player protections and has pledged $40 million for research.