Quote:Quarterbacks suffer a lot more concussions than defensive backs. The reason offensive linemen are rarely concussed is the nature of their jobs. If you don't touch a ball after the snap you don't get tackled. Green Bay's left tackle was injured by hitting somebody's knee. When T.J. Lang tackled a 49ers player his head stayed off the grass so he was not hurt on the play. It is not just because they have no room to accelerate.

 

I think concussions were not treated seriously in the past because the medical community was not aware of their long-term effects. Heightened awareness started when it became known repeated concussions cause permanent brain problems including ALS, dementia, and depression. Football players especially are too tough to accept the fact they should be on the sideline when they think they can play. If his only symptom is a headache, chances are he will just think that tackle hurt and nothing is wrong.

 

Just because lineman don't touch the ball doesn't mean they are not getting hit.  What do you think they are doing along the line of scrimmage, playing patty cake?

 

No offense to you but you have no idea what you are talking about.  Think about what causes concussions most of the time, a jarring of the brain inside the skull causing injury to the brain itself.  Now think back to high school physics and tell me if it's easier to create a bigger impact with more speed or less.  More space equals more velocity, greater acceleration and larger impact which also equates to a greater frequency of concussions.  Sure there will be examples that lie outside of the norm, but for the most part this is the root of the problem.

 

Improper tackling and the training of players to tackle with better form will help with neck and spine injuries, especially at the lower levels like pop warner and high school.  There is no amount of training that you can give to a professional athlete that will lessen the amount of concussions on the field of play given the current game in the NFL.  I'm pretty sure the NFL knows this too but is dragging their feet in instituting changes that will actually create a safer game solely out of greed.  Higher scoring games, more violent hits and spectacular plays means more money for the NFL.

---