Note: this essay was originally published in the Chicago Sun-Times, whose permission to repost I greatly appreciate : https://chicago.suntimes.com/2018/10/19/18443165/stop-concocting-unscientific-excuses-for-ignoring-brain-injuries-from-football NFL football is a game of inches, a “bruising ballet” and powered by iconic statistics. Fans recognize the number 55 as the most touchdown passes in a year (Peyton Manning), 197…