The term “rational irrationality” strikes as a paradox but when carefully analyzed in the context of NFL players, it provides profound insights into the behaviors, decisions and motivations of these players in facing significant health risks.
While it’s apparent that playing professional football comes with considerable risks to players’ health, a better understanding of the nature and degree of these risks has emerged over time. Influential research, like the Football Players Health Study at Harvard University, has been instrumental in shedding light on these risks.
“Rational irrationality” comes into play when we consider how these players react to the risks and data. At face value, given the health risks of their profession, one would assume that they would either avoid the game entirely or at least demand substantial changes to the rules or equipment to minimize their chances of injury. However, this often isn’t the case.
The lack of drastic actions against these risks doesn’t necessarily indicate a lack of knowledge or understanding on the part of players. Instead, it may suggest that players are making rational decisions based on their individual values and goals. In essence, they might consider their decision to continue to participate in the game, with full knowledge of the associated risks, as rationally irrational.
This argument is fleshed out more in a detailed analysis by Constangy, Brooks, Smith & Prophete, LLP, who delve into the rationale behind “rational irrationality” among NFL players. You can read the full discussion on this intriguing concept here.