Football is an intense sport, and with all the explosive movements, tackles, and sheer physical demand, injuries are a part of the game. Doylestown Sports Medicine Center has treated athletes from all walks of life, and while football injuries are common, many can be avoided with the right preparation and awareness.
In this blog, we'll discuss some of the most common football injuries, sharing real-life examples from professional players and giving some tips to avoid similar injuries.
Non-Contact ACL Tears - Odell Beckham Jr.
The ACL, or anterior cruciate ligament, is crucial for knee stability. It’s what helps your knee stay strong when you’re cutting, stopping, or twisting. Tears are extremely common in football and can end a player's season—or even a career—depending on the severity.
Odell Beckham Jr.’s Injury
In 2020, Beckham was in the middle of a game against the Bengals when disaster struck. He was trying to catch a pass and changed direction sharply. There was no contact from another player, but as soon as he planted his foot to make the cut, his knee buckled. The sharp pivot put too much strain on his ACL, causing it to tear.
Non-contact ACL injuries often happen when the body isn’t properly aligned during movement. Stronger quads, hamstrings, and glutes can help stabilize the knee, while practicing agility drills with a focus on proper form may prevent this kind of injury. Learning how to decelerate with control, rather than coming to an abrupt stop, is another way to alleviate recurring stress from the ACL.
Concussions - Tua Tagovailoa
(Written before Tagovailoa's recent concussion)
A concussion is a brain injury caused by a hit to the head or violent jarring of the body, leading to a quick back-and-forth motion of the brain inside the skull. This can result in a range of symptoms, including headaches, dizziness, confusion, and in more serious cases, long-term cognitive issues. Concussions are especially dangerous because repeated head injuries can lead to chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) and other severe health problems.
Tua Tagovailoa’s Injury
Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa experienced two significant head injuries during the 2022 season. The first occurred in Week 3, when he was hit hard and staggered on his way off the field, showing clear signs of head trauma. However, he was cleared to play the next week, and during a Week 4 game against the Bengals, he was slammed to the ground, causing his head bouncing off the turf. The impact left him motionless for several minutes, resulting in a confirmed concussion and leading to an investigation into how his injuries were handled.
The NFL’s concussion protocol is designed to prevent players from returning to play too soon, but mistakes were made in Tua’s case. If he had been properly diagnosed and rested after the first hit to the head, the second hit would have been completely avoided. For players, the key is to report symptoms immediately and never push through head trauma. Improved helmet technology and stricter return-to-play protocols are also critical to reducing concussion risks.
Hamstring Strains - Julio Jones
The hamstring muscles in the back of the thigh help extend the leg and flex the knee. Strains or tears are common in sports that require rapid acceleration and deceleration, especially football. Hamstring injuries range from mild strains to complete tears and can cause players to miss weeks of action.
In 2020, Jones was plagued by a nagging hamstring injury that kept resurfacing throughout the season. After trying to accelerate at top speed, he suddenly pulled up, clutching the back of his leg. Despite receiving treatment and missing games, he kept aggravating the injury, leading to a frustrating season of on-and-off play.
Hamstring injuries are often a sign of muscle imbalances or insufficient flexibility. Consistent strength training—especially eccentric exercises, which target the lengthening of the hamstrings—and regular stretching routines can keep the muscles flexible and strong. Proper warm-ups before games and practices can also reduce the risk of pulling or straining the hamstring during a sprint.
High Ankle Sprains - Saquon Barkley
A high ankle sprain involves injury to the ligaments connecting the two lower leg bones just above the ankle joint. It’s more severe than a typical ankle sprain and can take significantly longer to heal. These sprains usually occur when the foot is twisted or bent upward, stretching the ligaments too far.
During a 2019 game against the Buccaneers, Barkley was tackled, and his foot got trapped underneath the defender’s body, twisting his ankle in an awkward position. The injury left him with a high ankle sprain, and although he returned later in the season, he wasn’t at full strength for weeks.
High ankle sprains are tough to avoid entirely, but better ankle stability and strength can provide some protection. Barkley could have worn an ankle brace to add stability. Ankle strengthening exercises, especially those that target the smaller stabilizing muscles, can reduce the chance of a sprain when the ankle is put under stress.
General Tips for Staying Healthy in Football
Injuries are part of football, but there are ways to lower your chances of getting hurt on the field:
Strength Training
Focus on building the strength of key muscle groups, especially around your joints. This helps with balance, stability, and absorbing impact.
Proper Warm-Up
Don’t skip your warm-up. Dynamic stretches that get the muscles moving will prepare your body for the high demands of football.
Mobility Work
Flexible and mobile muscles are less likely to tear or strain. Stretch regularly, paying special attention to your hamstrings, quads, and hip flexors.
Stay Hydrated
Dehydration leads to fatigue, which increases your risk of injury. Make sure you’re drinking enough water throughout the day, especially during intense activity.
Play Smart
Awareness is key. Keep your head on a swivel, use proper tackling techniques, and avoid unnecessary risks that could lead to injury.
At Doylestown Sports Medicine Center, we’re dedicated to helping athletes prevent injuries and recover quickly when they happen. If you’re feeling the strain of football season or just want to develop a personalized plan to stay in top shape, give us a call. We’re here to help keep you healthy and on the field!
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