Like what you are reading?
Unlock the Full Story for Free!
Football is an equally exciting and dangerous sport, hence such dedicated safety precautions on the field.
While football players at every position are prone to injury, there has been extensive research done on the injuries that occur, specifically concussions. Most positions are prone to concussions, but some stand out more than others.
The top three positions that lead to the most concessions are cornerbacks, wide receivers, and linebackers. The concussions are primarily due to impact during play, helmet-on-body hits, and helmet-to-helmet hits.
•
70% Win
(110-25-1)
70% Win
(110-25-1)
70% Win
(110-25-1)
';});pollOptions.innerHTML = pollOptionsDom;pollCount.innerHTML = totalVotes + ' votes';if (totalVotes > 10) {pollCount.classList.remove("hidden");}}function trackBetsTodayPollImpression() {var intersectionObserverForArticlePoll = new IntersectionObserver(function(entries) {entries.forEach(function(entry) {var pollId = entry.target.getAttribute("data-poll-id");if (POLLS_BY_ID[pollId]['impression_tracked']) return;if (!entry.target || !entry.isIntersecting || entry.intersectionRatio < 0.5) return;setTimeout(function() {if (isInViewport(entry.target)) {POLLS_BY_ID[pollId]['impression_tracked'] = true;var isDesktop = "1";var gaPayload = {"question" : POLLS_BY_ID[pollId]['question'],"category": "NFL","page_url": window.location.href,"option1": POLLS_BY_ID[pollId]['option1'],"option2": POLLS_BY_ID[pollId]['option2'],}if (isDesktop) {gaPayload["device"] = "Desktop";} else {gaPayload["device"] = "Mobile";}gtag("event", "BETS_TODAY_POLL_IMPRESSION", gaPayload);intersectionObserverForArticlePoll.unobserve(entry.target);}}, 1000);});},{threshold: 0.5});var pollElements = document.querySelectorAll('.bets-today-poll');pollElements.forEach(function(pollElement) {var isAnswered = pollElement.querySelector(".poll-option-answered");if (!isAnswered) {intersectionObserverForArticlePoll.observe(pollElement);}})}return {answerPollX: answerPollX,};}();
The most at-risk positions for concussions
The cornerback position experiences the most concussions compared to other NFL players. The NFL conducted a study that reviewed 459 different concussions caused during games in 2015 and 2016. In those games, 393 out of the 459 players sustained direct contact play.
Cornerbacks are out in the open field, putting them in a vulnerable position, specifically the defensive back, who are the ones that tend to tackle with their heads – at full speed. They are fast and robust, giving them the ability to cover receivers, blitz, and defend offensive running plays such as sweeps.
The cornerback's concussions are caused by players making hits, tackles, and getting blocked. The players that run into each other are the two positions that experience the most concussions ramming into one another at high speed.
Here's every concussion in the NFL this year pic.twitter.com/zyzwciboSj
— Josh Begley (@joshbegley) February 1, 2018
The second position to receive the most concussions is wide receiver. Their principal role is to catch passes from the quarterback; they try to avoid, outmaneuver, or outrun defenders during passes. Those defenders tend to be bigger, faster, and stronger; to be on the receiving end is not an envious position.
Wide receivers take massive hits across the middle of the field, moving at high velocity with those who are trying to tackle them. The threat of penalty protects wide receivers; however, it doesn't always prevent hits.
The third position that is prone to concussions is linebackers. They tend to experience a greater overall frequency of impacts and have the most significant proportion of blows to the helmet's front.
Linebackers often charge towards the ball carrier at a high velocity. The impact caused by being fast and significant is a violent collision that can leave both players injured.
There has been new research and studies that show the long-term effects of concussions on NFL football players. The research has brought more awareness of the detrimental consequences. Overall, the players are more careful both on and off the field to protect themselves. If a player suffers a concussion, they are sidelined for nineteen days, which is triple the number of days compared to a decade ago.
Study: CTE Found In Nearly All Donated NFL Player Brains https://t.co/Hg0h8ybw97
— NPR Health News (@NPRHealth) July 25, 2017
Concussions are severe yet underrated injuries that only recently started getting awareness.
Edited by Amaar Burton
Feedback Thank You!
";modalText += "
";modalText += "
";modalText += "
";modalText += "
";modalText += "
";modalText += "
";modalText += "
"modalText += "
Please select an option.
Please provide your feedback.
"modalText += "
"modalPopup.closeOnEsc = false;modalPopup.setHeader("Why did you not like this content?");modalPopup.setContentText(modalText);modalPopup.addCancelOkButton("Submit", resetRatingAndFeedbackForm, sendRating);modalPopup.removeCloseModalIcon();modalPopup.disableDismissPopup();modalPopup.open();} else {sendRating(index);}}function sendRating() {var requestPayload = {"post_id": 757282,"rating_value": ratingValue}if (ratingValue > 3) {requestPayload.rating_feedback_type = null;requestPayload.rating_feedback = null;} else {if (!$('input[name="drone"]:checked') || !$('input[name="drone"]:checked').value) {showErrorMessage('option');return;}if (!$(".post-rating-feedback-note textarea") || !$(".post-rating-feedback-note textarea").value) {showErrorMessage('note');return;}var selectedOption = $('input[name="drone"]:checked').value;var feedbackNote = $(".post-rating-feedback-note textarea").value;requestPayload.rating_feedback_type = selectedOption;requestPayload.rating_feedback = feedbackNote;}pureJSAjaxPost(addratingAPI, requestPayload, onsaveRatingSuccess, onsaveRatingFail, function() {}, true);}function resetRatingAndFeedbackForm() {var activeStars = Array.from($all('.rating span.rating-star.active'));for (var i=0; i < activeStars.length; i++) {activeStars[i].classList.remove("active");}if ($('input[name="drone"]:checked')) {$('input[name="drone"]:checked').checked = false;}var userNote = document.querySelector(".post-rating-feedback-note textarea");userNote.value = '';modalPopup.close();}function onsaveRatingSuccess() {modalPopup.close();savePostIdInUserRatedPostsCookie();$("#post-rating-layout").classList.add("hidden");$("#post-rating-message").classList.remove("hidden");window.setInterval(function showMessage() {$("#post-rating-widget").classList.add("hidden");}, 3000);}function onsaveRatingFail() {console.error('Saving post rating failed!');modalPopup.close();}function savePostIdInUserRatedPostsCookie() {userRatedPostIds.push(757282);var expiryTime = new Date();expiryTime.setMonth(expiryTime.getMonth() + 12); // Expiry after 1 yearsetCookie("user_rated_post_ids", JSON.stringify(userRatedPostIds), expiryTime);}function isPostRatedByUser() {var userRatedPostIds = getCookie('user_rated_post_ids');if (userRatedPostIds) {try {userRatedPostIds = JSON.parse(userRatedPostIds);} catch (err) {console.error(err);return false;}} else {return false;}if(userRatedPostIds.indexOf(757282) >= 0) {return true;} else {return false;}}function getRatingCountByPostId(postId) {return new Promise(function(resolve, reject) {pureJSAjaxGet(getRatingCountBaseURL + postId + '/rating/count',function(data) {try {data = JSON.parse(data);if (data.meta_value) {resolve(data.meta_value);}reject("Failed to fetch rating count for the post:" + postId);} catch (err) {reject("Failed to fetch rating count for the post:" + postId);}},function(err) {reject("Failed to fetch rating count for the post:" + postId);}, true);});}function showErrorMessage(messageType) {var messageContainerId = '#' + messageType + '-error';$(messageContainerId).classList.remove('hidden');window.setInterval(function () {$(messageContainerId).classList.add("hidden");}, 5000);}(function() {var callFired = false;function lazyLoadPostRating() {if (callFired) return;callFired = true;if (!isPostRatedByUser()) {getRatingCountByPostId(757282).then(function(ratingCount) {if (ratingCount < 10) {$("#post-rating-widget").classList.remove("hidden");}}).catch(function(err){console.error(err);});}}document.addEventListener("scroll", lazyLoadPostRating, { passive: true, once: true });document.addEventListener("mousemove", lazyLoadPostRating, { passive: true, once: true });document.addEventListener("touchmove", lazyLoadPostRating, { passive: true, once: true });})();
The article delves into the prevalence of concussions in American football, highlighting the positions most susceptible to these injuries: cornerbacks, wide receivers, and linebackers. It discusses how the nature of play and physicality within these positions contributes to the higher incidence of concussions. Moreover, it touches upon the increased awareness and research on the long-term effects of concussions in NFL players.
Each position's role and gameplay dynamics significantly impact their susceptibility to concussions:
-
Cornerbacks: Positioned in the open field, cornerbacks face vulnerability due to their role in tackling opponents, often at high speeds. Their frequent head-first tackles and engagements with other players expose them to concussive impacts.
-
Wide Receivers: Tasked with catching passes, wide receivers are frequently targeted by larger, faster defenders during tackles. Their role involves maneuvering through opposition defenses, leading to significant collisions that elevate the risk of concussions.
-
Linebackers: Known for charging towards ball carriers at high velocities, linebackers experience a greater frequency of impacts, especially head-on collisions. Their aggressive playing style often results in forceful impacts contributing to concussions.
The article also touches upon the evolving awareness regarding concussions in football and the consequent changes in player safety protocols. The NFL's studies on concussions, like the one conducted in 2015 and 2016, underscore the need for protective measures and player welfare.
The discussion on increased caution, longer recovery periods, and the emergence of research on chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) amplifies the gravity of these injuries and their potential long-term effects on players' health.
This detailed analysis showcases a comprehensive understanding of the risks associated with various football positions, emphasizing the need for ongoing research, awareness, and safety measures within the sport.
