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What's good dudes
There's been a lot of talk lately of linemen, linebackers, RB's who have sustained long-term brain injuries after football.
I've never played organized football, so what do you think is the "safest" position? Wide receiver, cornerback (obviously kicker or punter I imagine)? Is there such a position that's safe from long-term effects of concussion?
[QUOTE=jchen;1021231603]What's good dudes
There's been a lot of talk lately of linemen, linebackers, RB's who have sustained long-term brain injuries after football.
I've never played organized football, so what do you think is the "safest" position? Wide receiver, cornerback (obviously kicker or punter I imagine)? Is there such a position that's safe from long-term effects of concussion?[/QUOTE]
3rd string qb
Punt kicker.
But to be honest, it is a relatively soft sport so any position will be fine. If you're looking to find tough sports look into Rugby union or NRL.
[QUOTE=jchen;1021231603]What's good dudes
There's been a lot of talk lately of linemen, linebackers, RB's who have sustained long-term brain injuries after football.
I've never played organized football, so what do you think is the "safest" position? Wide receiver, cornerback (obviously kicker or punter I imagine)? Is there such a position that's safe from long-term effects of concussion?[/QUOTE]
no such thing. Every position is vulnerable. But that is part of the game. Every sport has it risks, every job outside of sports has its risks. So, idk why people think its just football. This is the game. If someone thinks its too dangerous, then don't play.
Isn't there more speed and explosion in football though? In rugby, play is continuous and so you aren't running full speed all the time, whereas in football you have intermittent bursts of speed followed by being getting laid the f*** out by a defensive player also running at full speed? correct me if i'm wrong
[QUOTE=Spack3;1021236233]Punt kicker.
But to be honest, it is a relatively soft sport so any position will be fine. If you're looking to find tough sports look into Rugby union or NRL.[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE=jchen;1021238213]Isn't there more speed and explosion in football though? In rugby, play is continuous and so you aren't running full speed all the time, whereas in football you have intermittent bursts of speed followed by being getting laid the f*** out by a defensive player also running at full speed? correct me if i'm wrong[/QUOTE]
That is correct.
They are both very aggressive sports. But also two completely different sports. People always try to compare the two, which isn't possible. People also think that just because rugby doesn't wear pads, that it makes it more of a "man's" sport or more of a dangerous sport. So, anybody who brings that point up shows that they have no idea what they are talking about. It's a dangerous and aggressive sport, but their hits and tackling are completely different than american football hits and tackles. It's not like football is rugby with pads and rugby is football without pads. Completely two different sports. But im not trying to take anything away from rugby. It's still a very dangerous and aggressive sport.
Comparing the athletic nature of the sports is fairly plausible.
The technique used in NFL, when you refer to 'tackles', you're typically looking at a QB taking the ground, someone having their legs taken out, or they carry the ball over the sideline - Rarely do players ever (intentionally) take a hit.
NFL athletes will never do anything but run at full speed, a 6 second sprint followed by a 30-40 second break is hardly taxing the body. Then, when they do stop they very rarely take a proper hit, they are usually knocked off balance and fall. Lets be honest about that.
All that said and done, don't try play a sport (or position) because you think it is safe...
[QUOTE=Spack3;1021278003]Comparing the athletic nature of the sports is fairly plausible.
The technique used in NFL, when you refer to 'tackles', you're typically looking at a QB taking the ground, someone having their legs taken out, or they carry the ball over the sideline - Rarely do players ever (intentionally) take a hit.
NFL athletes will never do anything but run at full speed, a 6 second sprint followed by a 30-40 second break is hardly taxing the body. [b]Then, when they do stop they very rarely take a proper hit, they are usually knocked off balance and fall. Lets be honest about that.[/b]
All that said and done, don't try play a sport (or position) because you think it is safe...[/QUOTE]
True, and when players get hurt, it is because of in proper hits. Very rarely do proper hits cause harm to the players. It's when they lower their head, or try to go for the kill shot that causes injuries to them or the player on the other end. Rugby has much stricter rules when it comes to tackling. It's not a free for all like in football.
Oh and if you don't think playing football is taxing on your body, then well lol, you basically have no reason to be participating in the discussion since it proves you have no idea what you are talking about lol.
but we are getting off topic here. The OP asked what position is the safest in American football. There is no such thing. if anyone is playing a sport for that reason. They need to think twice. Every position is at risk.
Every day you are at risk, regardless if you are playing a sport or just walking down the sidewalk. If you are running on a treadmill or sitting at an office desk. If you live your life worried about this stuff, then you should probably just stay inside the rest of your life.
Linemen generally do not have huge collisions rather smaller ones EVERY play. As a college defensive linemen i am hitting a 300lb linemen every play but we are only a few feet apart before the hit. Guys that play skilled positions may not get hit alot but when they do it's someone running full speed at them. You could not pay me to be a running back, they take so many shots. Defensive backs deliver big hits but those big hits can do alot of damage on their own bodies. Offensive line may be the "safest" position because theres not AS many HUGE collisions and you are bigger than whomever your hitting, however there are so many bodies in the box that offensive linemen are known for having the WORST knees because players can roll up on their own linemen taking them out from behind. There really is no "safe" position other than kicker/punter or off the field.
I never in a million years would be a punt returner IMO it may be one of if not the most dangerous things in sports. They are looking up waiting for a ball while 11 animal athletes are running at a full sprint trying to kill you.
Punt returners will typically have phenomenally large balls.
However, hits in NFL will typically consist of a player chop blocking as they dive through the oppositions knees (yes that'd cause injuries, it is moronic that it is allowed). That the sport has developed in such a way that protective equipment (the helmet) has become the weapon of choice for tackling is a somewhat large flaw in the game. It is also responsible for the majority of injuries.
But, to try suggest the physical strain matches that of a tennis player (for example) coming out of a 5 hour shuttles competition is ridiculous.
Honestly, don't play the sport with that on your mind. You will not play at 100% at the intention of being in a "safe position"...then the guy your going against will be at a 100% and cause greater injury to you then if you were playing at 100%.
Any position you could get hurt....even the water boys occasionally trip and some how bruise themselves.
[QUOTE=Spack3;1021236233]Punt kicker.
But to be honest, it is a relatively soft sport so any position will be fine. If you're looking to find tough sports look into Rugby union or NRL.[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE=Spack3;1021278003]Comparing the athletic nature of the sports is fairly plausible.
The technique used in NFL, when you refer to 'tackles', you're typically looking at a QB taking the ground, someone having their legs taken out, or they carry the ball over the sideline - Rarely do players ever (intentionally) take a hit.
NFL athletes will never do anything but run at full speed, a 6 second sprint followed by a 30-40 second break is hardly taxing the body. Then, when they do stop they very rarely take a proper hit, they are usually knocked off balance and fall. Lets be honest about that.
All that said and done, don't try play a sport (or position) because you think it is safe...[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE=Spack3;1021423673]Punt returners will typically have phenomenally large balls.
However, hits in NFL will typically consist of a player chop blocking as they dive through the oppositions knees (yes that'd cause injuries, it is moronic that it is allowed). That the sport has developed in such a way that protective equipment (the helmet) has become the weapon of choice for tackling is a somewhat large flaw in the game. It is also responsible for the majority of injuries.
But, to try suggest the physical strain matches that of a tennis player (for example) coming out of a 5 hour shuttles competition is ridiculous.[/QUOTE]
Status: never played a down of football
Put the best AFL player and rugby player in pads and get them to play chicken with Ed Reed. Theyd leave with a hole in their chest.
AFL/Rugby brahs have no idea.
[QUOTE=MassiveKent;1021563473]Status: never played a down of football
Put the best AFL player and rugby player in pads and get them to play chicken with Ed Reed. Theyd leave with a hole in their chest.
AFL/Rugby brahs have no idea.[/QUOTE]
Ed Reed isn't the greatest example. Try Ray Lewis ;)
They would be annihilated by the likes of Mal Meninga. Particularly because he would actually be able to go more than 5m/hr, and able to do it 10 times in a minute, not once every 45 seconds from 2 yards away.
Take off his helmet and pads and see how keen he is to run headlong as someone from more than 2 foot away and being allowed to do more than just try push past.
You lose.
Op, tbh it isn't really a sport you should play if you're worried about injuries. In fact, you probably shouldn't play sports at all. Hell you probably should stay in a padded room your whole life and drink water out of a giant hamster bottle. Seriously, don't worry, just go join a team and have fun.
And in response to Spack3, I live in the UK close to the Leicester Tigers, if you know them (Im sure you do as they are one of the tope club teams in EU if not the world). I play rugby, have friends who have been scouted by and are in the the Tigers academy teams. I'm pretty engrosed in the sport. The Idea that Am. Football is somehow inferior to rugby on a physical level is just blatently niave. Also, the idea that once you take the pads of an NFL player they wouldn't hit is equally niave. Many of them would have played the sport full contact at the park when they were kids without pads on, and anyone who has done so would tell you that the game is far more violent with full kit then without it. Some of them have other sporting backgrounds, boxing, MMA, BBall for example. Hell I can even think of a couple that have rugby backgrounds. They're mean, angry bastards and the vast majority of them wouldn't hesistate to go toe to toe with any rugby player (Perhaps with the exception of DeSean Jackson, I can't stand him!). The Majority of players can also run faster than 5m/hr, with the exception of some O-Line and D tackles. But even the 300+ pounders are very quick for their size. Some DB's, WR's and RB's are essentially bulked up track stars. There is some serious speed on the field.
[QUOTE=Spack3;1021278003]Comparing the athletic nature of the sports is fairly plausible.
The technique used in NFL, when you refer to 'tackles', you're typically looking at a QB taking the ground, someone having their legs taken out, or they carry the ball over the sideline - Rarely do players ever (intentionally) take a hit.
NFL athletes will never do anything but run at full speed, a 6 second sprint followed by a 30-40 second break is hardly taxing the body. Then, when they do stop they very rarely take a proper hit, they are usually knocked off balance and fall. Lets be honest about that.
All that said and done, don't try play a sport (or position) because you think it is safe...[/QUOTE]
Just noticed this. I'm sorry but this is blatently false. Short yardage power football revolves around the concept of gaining 4-5 yards a play and most likely taking a hit. Every person who makes a block/takes on a block is intentionally taking contact. Making a catch over the middle where the chances are you will get blown up by a S/LB. Going to the sideline is only done the preserve time as a strategy, or for a QB to avoid injury.
6 seconds max sprint whilst colliding with someone also max sprinting repetively for 3 hours takes its toll, believe me. I get more aerobically tired playing rugby, but my body feels like satans anus after a game of football, especially as I play Offense, Defense and Special teams. Whereas I'm usually just a bit achy after ruggers.
Long snapper. There are actually rules against hitting you.
[QUOTE=jchen;1021231603]What's good dudes
There's been a lot of talk lately of linemen, linebackers, RB's who have sustained long-term brain injuries after football.
I've never played organized football, so what do you think is the "safest" position? Wide receiver, cornerback (obviously kicker or punter I imagine)? Is there such a position that's safe from long-term effects of concussion?[/QUOTE]
I'd say there is probably no 100% safe position. Kicker and punter is up there. wide recievers get blasted. linemen have collisions, but at a lower momentum (since they're so close to their opponents" I personally played middle linebacker and defensive end, and fullback. Defensive end was probably the "safest" of those three. (in my experience)
[QUOTE=Spack3;1021674783]They would be annihilated by the likes of Mal Meninga. Particularly because he would actually be able to go more than 5m/hr, and able to do it 10 times in a minute, not once every 45 seconds from 2 yards away.
Take off his helmet and pads and see how keen he is to run headlong as someone from more than 2 foot away and being allowed to do more than just try push past.
You lose.[/QUOTE]
Now youre just trolling.
[QUOTE=jchen;1021231603]What's good dudes
There's been a lot of talk lately of linemen, linebackers, RB's who have sustained long-term brain injuries after football.
I've never played organized football, so what do you think is the "safest" position? Wide receiver, cornerback (obviously kicker or punter I imagine)? Is there such a position that's safe from long-term effects of concussion?[/QUOTE]
I'v played football for a long time and I can assure you, like some one else said, no position is "safe". My experience as a linebacker, D-end, Tail-back and SS have all been dangerous. Obviously any position played at the line is where your chances of getting a concussion are at its highest so you can count that out. Playing as a kicker/punter is just.. boring. Cornerbacks and linebackers are high risk, as well as SS's, TB's, and Full-Backs.
My recommendation?
Go with FS (Free Saftey)
Why?
The Free Saftey postion can be lonely at times but I feel that is the safest. You stay in the back of the field (most of the time) and you watch. You will obviously, on occasions, have to do some tackling and intercepting but thats football.
[QUOTE=jchen;1021231603]What's good dudes
There's been a lot of talk lately of linemen, linebackers, RB's who have sustained long-term brain injuries after football.
I've never played organized football, so what do you think is the "safest" position? Wide receiver, cornerback (obviously kicker or punter I imagine)? Is there such a position that's safe from long-term effects of concussion?[/QUOTE]
This is why you sign a waiver and play or don't. One of the first team meetings I had for college football was the entire team reading the warning on the back of the helmets out loud. You will get your bell rung. There is nothing you can do about it other than actually learning how to tackle (a lost skill in every level of football).
I've had several significant head injuries (concussions) over my 10 year career. I can still think and probably won't be shooting myself in the chest anytime soon. I still managed to get a Masters Degree with a 3.98 GPa (F*ck you B+ in Biostatistics). The only charactersitic I display is some unexplained anxiety every once in a while, but I've been that way my whole life.
If it is something you are serisouly concerned about, then you might want to look at another sport. I would suggest staying away from soccer though. The instance of serious injury is something like 13 out of 100 participants (the highest of all team sports).
[QUOTE=Spack3;1021674783]They would be annihilated by the likes of Mal Meninga. Particularly because he would actually be able to go more than 5m/hr, and able to do it 10 times in a minute, not once every 45 seconds from 2 yards away.
Take off his helmet and pads and see how keen he is to run headlong as someone from more than 2 foot away and being allowed to do more than just try push past.
You lose.[/QUOTE]
Sorry, Spack. I'd like to back up my countryman, but you've fallen for one of the great fallacies of Australian sports.
I've played League, Union And American Football at rep level. I can assure you that the forces applied when hitting in American Football are much higher. Due to the nature of the game, the speeds are higher, too.
All the games deserve their own respect. Rugby requires strength and stamina like no other game on earth. Aussie Rules requires general athleticism I don't see in any other sport, aside from GAA and League is a lot like Rugby in it's requirements withmore power running and less strength focus. American Football is an impact game and the forces generated are ridiculously large.
None of these games is tougher than another.
Oh, and OP, best you try out for towell boy. Even punters are expected to tackle nowadays.