Running Backs Research Articles

Reassessing the Economic and Schematic Role of Running Backs in the National Football League: Abolishing the Franchise Tag and Advocating for a Separate Bargaining Unit

Reassessing the Economic and Schematic Role of Running Backs in the National Football League: Abolishing the Franchise Tag and Advocating for a Separate Bargaining Unit

A Total Score of Athleticism to Estimate the Amount of Variance Explained in On-Field Performance Within Collegiate American Football Players

The identification of sport and position-specific key performance indicators has been of increased interest to practitioners working within high performance sport settings. The aim of this study was to create statistical models, across a spectrum of position groups, that explain the largest amount of variance in on-field performance over four collegiate American football seasons. A total of four position groups were analyzed, including Wide Receiver/Tight End (n = 29), Running Backs (n = 8), Linebacker/Defensive Line (n =41), Defensive Backs (n = 28). Different tests of physical performance (back squat, bench press, hang clean, 40-yard dash, pro-agility, L-drill, vertical jump, and broad jump) were set as the independent variables, while a Total Score of On-Field Performance, consisting of position-specific game statistics was set as the dependent variable. Linear mixed models, using backwards model selection were used to identify models that best fit the position-specific data. Results revealed that models consisted of at least three different physical performance test, were position-specific, and explained the variance in on-field performance to different degrees. Significant correlations were found between physical performance models and on-field performance. Results from our study may be of interest to practitioners working within American football that are interested in maximizing success through and individual approach towards the implementation of training.

Return to Play and Performance After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction in National Football League Players.

Background:Considerable variability exists in return-to-play rates after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury and reconstruction (ACLR) among National Football League (NFL) players of different positions.Purpose/Hypothesis:The purpose of this study was to compare return-to-play and performance levels by position in NFL players after ACLR. It was hypothesized that (1) ACL injuries have significant effects on the careers of NFL players, including return to play and performance, and (2) players of certain positions that involve relatively less pivoting and cutting perform better after ACLR.Study Design:Descriptive epidemiology study.Methods:All NFL players who underwent ACLR between 2013 and 2018 were identified using the FantasyData injury database. Player characteristics, snap count, games played, games started, and performance metrics were collected for 3 years before and after injury using the Pro Football Reference database. Performance was measured using an approximate value (AV) algorithm to compare performance across positions and over time. Nonparametric tests were used to compare the pre- and postinjury data and the percentage change in performance between different positions.Results:Overall, 312 NFL players were included in this study, and 174 (55.8%) returned to play. Of the eligible players, only 28.5% (n = 59/207) remained in the league 3 years postinjury. Within the first 3 years postinjury, players played in fewer games (8.7 vs 13.7; P < .0001), started in fewer games (3.0 vs 8.3; P < .0001), had lower AVs (1.5 vs 4.3; P < .0001), and had decreased snap counts (259.0 vs 619.0; P < .0001) compared with preinjury. Quarterbacks were most likely to return to play (92.9% vs 53.7%; P = .0040) and to return to performance (2% vs 50% decrease in AV; P = .0165) compared with the other positions. Running backs had the largest decrease in AV (90.5%), followed by defensive linemen (76.2%) and linebackers (62.5%).Conclusion:The study findings indicated that NFL players are severely affected by ACL injury, with only 28.5% still active in the league 3 years after the injury. Running backs, defensive linemen, and linebackers performed the worst after injury. Quarterbacks were most likely to return to play and had superior postinjury performance compared with the other positions.

National Football League Wide Receivers and Running Backs Have Decreased Production Following ACL Reconstruction: An Evaluation of Fantasy Football Performance as an Outcome Measure

PurposeTo use fantasy football points as a simple measure alongside on-field statistics to compare performance in National Football League (NFL) offensive skill position players before and after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction.MethodsA retrospective review of all NFL quarterbacks (QB), running backs (RB), wide receivers (WR), and tight ends (TE) who sustained an isolated, unilateral ACL injury from 1988 to 2017 was conducted. Data were collected from public data sources, team releases, NFL injury reports, press releases, and other Internet resources. For each player, a matched control with similar demographics was identified. Their in-game performance post-ACL reconstruction was analyzed using fantasy football points as an outcome measure.ResultsA total of 13 QBs, 30 RBs, and 29 WRs who underwent ACL reconstruction from 1988 to 2017 and who met inclusion criteria were retrospectively identified and reviewed. Of the 13 quarterbacks included in the study, there was no statistically significant difference in fantasy football points between the pre- and post-ACL reconstruction groups, as well as post-ACL and matched control groups. There was a statistically significant decrease in career fantasy football performance of running backs post-ACL reconstruction compared with matched control groups (129.6 vs 553.6; P < .0001). There was also a statistically significant decrease in per game fantasy football points post-ACL reconstruction (4.4 vs 11.2; P < .0001). Lastly, WRs also demonstrated a decrease in career fantasy football performance post-ACL reconstruction compared with matched controls (145.3 vs 460.9; P = .002). In addition, they also had a decrease in per game fantasy football performance (5.0 vs 7.7; P = .042).ConclusionsQuarterbacks did not have a statistically significant decrease in performance following ACL reconstruction based on fantasy football performance. Conversely, both running backs and wide receivers had decreased per game and career performance post-ACL reconstruction based on their fantasy football statistics. Furthermore, RBs had the largest decline in production each season over a 3-year period following ACLR compared to QBs and WRs, respectively.Level of EvidenceLevel III, case-control study.

Return to Play Following Achilles Tendon Rupture in NFL Players Based on Position.

The purpose of this study was to determine the return-to-play (RTP) rate and postinjury performance after Achilles tendon (AT) ruptures in National Football League (NFL) skill position players. The study included NFL skill positions with an AT rupture between the 2009-2010 and 2015-2016 seasons. Performance data were collected and compared against a matched control group. RTP was defined as playing in at least 1 game after repair. RTP rate was 57% for the study cohort. The tight ends (TEs) had the highest RTP rate at 71% while the wide receivers (WRs) had the lowest RTP rate at 38%. Compared with the control group, WRs with successful RTP had significantly less receptions per game (P = .01). For defensive players with RTP there were significant decreases in postrepair performance in tackles, passes defended, and fumbles forced/recovered compared with the control group. A total of 57% of players achieved RTP with WRs and running backs (RBs) having the lowest RTP rates and TEs and linebackers (LBs) having the highest RTP rates. RBs, defensive backs (DBs), and LBs with successful RTP had decreased performance in all categories. This updated information may be helpful for athletes, physicians, scouts, and coaches in evaluating players with a history of AT rupture. Analytic, level 3, retrospective cohort study, Epidemiologic study.

Return to Play Rates in NFL Wide Receivers and Running Backs After ACL Reconstruction: An Updated Analysis.

Background:Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) ruptures are potentially career-threatening injuries to National Football League (NFL) skill position players. A 2006 study showed a return-to-play (RTP) rate of 79% for NFL running backs (RBs) and wide receivers (WRs). Since then, a number of factors affecting RTP, including style of play as well as rules regarding hits to the head, have changed how defensive players tackle offensive ball carriers.Purpose/Hypothesis:To determine whether the RTP rate for RBs and WRs in the NFL has changed since data were collected in the 2000s. Additionally, we evaluated player performance before and after ACL reconstruction (ACLR). We hypothesized that there will be a lower RTP rate than previously reported as well as a decrease in performance statistics after ACLR.Study Design:Descriptive epidemiology study.Methods:Publicly available NFL injury reports between the 2009-2010 and 2015-2016 seasons were utilized for RBs and WRs who underwent ACLR. Successful RTP was indicated by playing in at least 1 NFL game after reconstruction. Position-specific performance statistics from before and after reconstruction were gathered for these players, and the RTP players were compared against the players who did not RTP (dnRTP group). Pre- and postinjury performance measures were also compared against a matched control group of NFL RBs and WRs who had not sustained an ACL injury.Results:Overall, 61.8% of players (64.5% of RBs, 60% of WRs) returned to play at a mean of 13.6 months. Prior to injury, the RTP group had played in significantly more career games and had significantly more rushes and receptions per game than the dnRTP group; however, there was no significant difference in performance after ACLR. The WR RTP group had significantly decreased performance in all measured categories when compared with the control group.Conclusion:Our study found a lower RTP rate in RBs and WRs than previous studies conducted in the early 2000s. WRs who achieved RTP had decreased performance when compared with noninjured controls.

Impact of Concussions on the Performance of Running Backs and Wide Receivers in the NFL

Concussion injuries are common in professional football players; however, their impact on player performance remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to quantify the effect of concussions on the performance of running backs and wide receivers in professional football players. Concussion data from the National Football League was collected for a period of 4 seasons (2012-2015) for running backs and wide receivers. Age, experience, position, time to return to play, yearly total yards and touchdowns were recorded. A power rating (total yards divided by 10 plus touchdowns multiplied by 6) was calculated for each player’s injury season as well as for the 3 seasons before and after their respective injury. A control group of running backs and wide receivers without an identified concussion injury who competed in the 2012 season was assembled for comparison. Player performance up to 3 seasons before and after the injury season were examined in order to assess acute and longitudinal changes in player performance. A total of 38 eligible running backs and wide receivers sustained a concussion during the study period. Thirty-four (89%) players were able to return to competition in the same season, missing an average of 1.5 ± 0.9 games. Power ratings for concussed players were similar to controls throughout the study period. Concussed players did not suffer an individual performance decline upon returning within the same season. Furthermore, no significant difference in change of power rating was observed in concussed players in the acute (± 1 year from injury; -1.2 ± 4.8 vs. -1.1 ± 3.9, P = .199) or chronic setting (± 3 years from injury; -3.6 ± 8.0 vs. -3.03 ± 4.5, P = .219) compared to controls. A high rate of National Football League running backs and wide receivers are able to return to play following a concussion injury. These players were found to perform at a similar level both acutely and long-term post-concussion.

Effect of Concussions on National Football League Quarterback Performance

Background: Sports-related concussion (SRC) rates are higher in American football than any other sport; therefore, the effects of SRCs on professional football players is a prevalent topic. Previous research has shown that sustaining an SRC has negative financial and overall career outcomes for athletes and may cause performance decrements after an athlete returns to play, however, the results of previous research regarding athlete performance after returning from an SRC are mixed. While some studies found that player performance in the National Football League (NFL) was unaffected upon returning from an SRC, evidence also suggests significant scoring reductions in offensive players. Although previous research has found that NFL running backs and wide receivers perform at levels similar to their performance before sustaining an SRC, little is known about quarterback performance after an SRC. There is also evidence that SRCs decrease neurocognitive performance, a quality that is crucial, especially for quarterbacks. Objective: The purpose of this study is to examine changes in NFL quarterback performances upon return to play from an SRC. Method: Quarterback ratings (QBRs) and concussion data from 2012-2015 were used to determine if changes occurred in NFL quarterback performance following an SRC. Results: QBRs decreased by 13.3 points (p = 0.014) after quarterbacks return from an SRC. Conclusions: Changes in on-field performance for NFL quarterbacks after sustaining an SRC could be the result of neurocognitive decrements that impact quick reaction and decision-making skills, which may have greater impacts on quarterbacks than other positions.

Cardiac-Autonomic Responses to In-Season Training Among Division-1 College Football Players.

Flatt, AA, Esco, MR, Allen, JR, Robinson, JB, Bragg, A, Keith, CM, Fedewa, MV, and Earley, RL. Cardiac-autonomic responses to in-season training among Division-1 college football players. J Strength Cond Res 34(6): 1649-1656, 2020-Despite having to endure a rigorous in-season training schedule, research evaluating daily physiological recovery status markers among American football players is limited. The purpose of this study was to determine whether recovery of cardiac-autonomic activity to resting values occurs between consecutive-day, in-season training sessions among college football players. Subjects (n = 29) were divided into groups based on position: receivers and defensive backs (SKILL, n = 10); running backs, linebackers, and tight-ends (MID-SKILL, n = 11) and linemen (LINEMEN, n = 8). Resting heart rate (RHR) and the natural logarithm of the root mean square of successive differences multiplied by 20 (LnRMSSD) were acquired at rest in the seated position before Tuesday and Wednesday training sessions and repeated over 3 weeks during the first month of the competitive season. A position × time interaction was observed for LnRMSSD (p = 0.04), but not for the RHR (p = 0.33). No differences in LnRMSSD between days was observed for SKILL (Tuesday = 82.8 ± 9.3, Wednesday = 81.9 ± 8.7, p > 0.05). Small reductions in LnRMSSD were observed for MID-SKILL (Tuesday = 79.2 ± 9.4, Wednesday = 76.2 ± 9.5, p ≤ 0.05) and LINEMEN (Tuesday = 79.4 ± 10.5, Wednesday = 74.5 ± 11.5, p ≤ 0.05). The individually averaged changes in LnRMSSD from Tuesday to Wednesday were related to PlayerLoad (r = 0.46, p = 0.02) and body mass (r = -0.39, p = 0.04). Cardiac-parasympathetic activity did not return to resting values for LINEMEN or MID-SKILL before the next training session. Larger reductions in LnRMSSD tended to occur in players with greater body mass despite having performed lower workloads, although some individual variability was observed. These findings may have implications for how coaches and support staff address training and recovery interventions for players demonstrating inadequate cardiovascular recovery between sessions.

The Effect of Game Importance on Concussion Incidence in the National Football League: An Observational Study.

IntroductionConcussion incidence in the National Football League (NFL) has been shown to generally increase as the season progresses. Yet, there is evidence that suggests that the incidence stagnates or decreases in the final quarter of the season in comparison to the third quarter. This anomaly cannot be explained by any of the known modulators of concussion incidence. However, the fact that the teams start getting eliminated from playoff contention in the fourth quarter of the season may explain this pattern in concussion incidence. This study tests whether there is a difference in concussion incidence in games between teams who are still in the playoff hunt [in the hunt (IH) games] versus games where both teams have had their playoff fate already determined (non-IH games).MethodsWe obtained details of 166 documented concussions from weeks 13-16 of each of the four NFL seasons from 2012 to 2015 from Public Broadcasting Service's (PBS) Frontline Concussion Watch and matched them to the games in which they occurred. Each game was categorized based on the playoff status [clinched (CL), eliminated (EL), or IH] of the teams playing in the game. Concussion incidence of the game types was compared to each other using a one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) test and student t-tests. Additionally, concussion incidences at six different player positions in important games were compared to the corresponding incidences in unimportant games. An ordinary least squares regression was used to examine the effects of game importance and plays per game on concussion incidence.ResultsConcussion incidence in important games (mean = 0.651 ±0.055) did not differ significantly (p: 0.890) from the incidence in unimportant games (mean = 0.623 ±0.143). Instead, plays per game was found to be the primary driver of concussion in the regression analysis (β = 0.01605; p: 0.025). At the position-specific level, running backs (RB) were the only position to demonstrate a significant increase in concussion incidence (p: 0.004) in important games (mean = 0.049 ±0.017) compared to unimportant games (mean = 0.00 ±0.00).ConclusionsThe results suggest that, in general, players are not more likely to suffer concussions in IH games than in non-IH games. However, RBs may have an increased risk of concussion in games with playoff implications than in games without.

Effect of Concussions on the Performance of Running Backs and Wide Receivers in the National Football League

Background: Concussion injuries are common in professional football players; however, their effect on player performance remains unclear. Purpose: To quantify the effect of concussions on the performance of running backs and wide receivers in professional football players. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: Concussion data from the National Football League were collected for a period of 4 seasons (2012-2015) for running backs and wide receivers. Age, experience, position, time to return to play, yearly total yards, and touchdowns were recorded. A power rating (total yards divided by 10 plus touchdowns multiplied by 6) was calculated for each player’s injury season as well as for the 3 seasons before and after their respective injury. A control group of running backs and wide receivers without an identified concussion injury who competed in the 2012 season was assembled for comparison. Player performance up to 3 seasons before and after the injury season was examined to assess acute and longitudinal changes in player performance. Results: A total of 38 eligible running backs and wide receivers sustained a concussion during the study period. Thirty-four (89%) players were able to return to competition in the same season, missing an average of 1.5 ± 0.9 games; the remaining 4 players returned in the subsequent season. Power ratings for concussed players were similar to those of controls throughout the study period. Concussed players did not suffer an individual performance decline upon returning within the same season. Furthermore, no significant difference in change of power rating was observed in concussed players in the acute (±1 year from injury; −1.2 ± 4.8 vs –1.1 ± 3.9, P = .199) or chronic (±3 years from injury; –3.6 ± 8.0 vs –3.0 ± 4.5, P = .219) setting compared with controls. All concussed players successfully returned to competition in either the index or next season. Conclusion: A high rate of National Football League running backs and wide receivers are able to return to play after a concussion injury. These players were found to perform at a similar level in both the acute and long-term period after concussion.

Outcomes of Concussion Injuries to Running Backs and Wide Receivers in the National Football League

Objectives:Concussion injuries are common in professional football players, however the impact on player careers remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to quantify the effect of concussions on professional football player performance.Methods:Concussion data from the National Football League was collected for a period of four seasons (2012-2015) for running backs and wide receivers. Demographic variables (age, experience, position, time to return, yearly total yards and touchdowns) were recorded. Power ratings (total yards divided by 10 plus touchdowns multiplied by 6) were calculated for the injury season as well as for the 3 seasons before and after the injury. A control group consisted of running backs and wide receivers without an identified concussion injury who competed in the 2014 season.Results:One hundred and eighteen running backs and wide receivers sustained a concussion over a 4-season period, 25 players (21%) never returned to a National Football League game. Players were able to return in an average of 18.5 ± 8.2 days, missing 1.6 ± 1.0 games. For 18 players with a minimum total power rating of (sum of 4 seasons) of 200 points, power rating per game decreased 43.4 ± 0.4 points from three seasons prior to the concussion to three years postinjury. This change in performance was not statistically significant (P=0.422) when compared with the change for the 343 control players.Conclusion:Over one fifth of National Football League running backs and wide receivers who sustain a concussion never return to play in a game. On return to competition, player performance of injured players reduced from before injury, however there was no difference compared to controls.

Running the Risk of an Injury in the NFL: Short-Run and Career Consequences

Similar to other workers in industrial settings NFL running backs can choose to provide additional work effort with possible negative health consequences. We find that the most informative measure for running backs is yards gained after contact, which not only increases total rushing yards but also increases injuries that can cause subsequent lost income due to future games missed. We econometrically examine the decisions running backs reveal in trading off injury risk against total yards gained and salary in the short run and how the tradeoff appears in the longer run where career length considerations come into play. Our estimates reveal subtle nonlinearities and interpersonal heterogeneity in risky effort and the associated short and long run injury risk and economic payoffs.

Running the Risk of an Injury in the NFL: Short-Run and Career Consequences

Similar to other workers in industrial settings NFL running backs can choose to provide additional work effort with possible negative health consequences. We find that the most informative measure for running backs is yards gained after contact, which not only increases total rushing yards but also increases injuries that can cause subsequent lost income due to future games missed. We econometrically examine the decisions running backs reveal in trading off injury risk against total yards gained and salary in the short run and how the tradeoff appears in the longer run where career length considerations come into play. Our estimates reveal subtle nonlinearities and interpersonal heterogeneity in risky effort and the associated short and long run injury risk and economic payoffs.

The Epidemiology of Ankle Injuries Identified at the National Football League Combine, 2009-2015.

Background:American football is a leading cause of sports-related injuries, with the knee, ankle, and shoulder most commonly involved.Purpose/Hypothesis:The purpose of this study was to describe the epidemiology, characteristics, and imaging findings of ankle injuries in football players at the National Football League (NFL) Combine and determine the relationship to player position. We hypothesized that there would be a high relative incidence of ankle injuries in these players compared with other sports and that there would be a direct correlation between the incidence of ankle injuries and player position.Study Design:Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3.Methods:A retrospective chart review of data collected from NFL Combine participants between 2009 and 2015 was performed. Patient demographics, history, physical examination results, and imaging findings were reviewed.Results:Of 2285 players, 1216 (53.2%) had a history of ankle injuries; of these, 987 (81.2%) had unilateral injuries, while 229 (18.8%) had bilateral injuries (total of 1445 ankles injured). This included 1242 ankle sprains (86.0% of ankle injuries): 417 (33.6% of sprains) high and 930 (74.9%) low. The most common soft tissue injuries were to the anterior talofibular ligament (n = 158, 12.7% of sprains) and syndesmosis (n = 137, 11.0%). Of all players at the NFL Combine with radiographs, 131 (10.9%) had evidence of an ankle fracture, all of which had healed. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) identified 66 players (28.9% of players at the combine who underwent MRI) with articular cartilage injuries: 62 involving the talus and 16 involving the tibia. Furthermore, 85 players (37.3% of players with MRI) with tendon injuries were identified: 26 Achilles, 55 peroneal, 3 flexor hallucis longus, and 19 posterior tibial. A total of 611 players (50.6% of players with radiographs) had signs of arthrosis on radiography. Running backs (61.9%), offensive linemen (60.3%), and tight ends (59.4%) had the highest rates of ankle injuries by position, while kickers/punters (23.3%) and long snappers (37.5%) had the lowest.Conclusion:Prior ankle injuries were present in more than 50% of elite college football players attending the NFL Combine. The rate of these ankle injuries varied by player position: offensive linemen, running backs, and tight ends had the highest overall rates, while special teams players had the lowest. Additional prospective work is needed to determine the impact of prior injuries on future playing career.

Anthropometric and Athletic Performance Combine Test Results Among Positions Within Grade Levels of High School-Aged American Football Players.

Leutzinger, TJ, Gillen, ZM, Miramonti, AM, McKay, BD, Mendez, AI, and Cramer, JT. Anthropometric and athletic performance combine test results among positions within grade levels of high school-aged American football players. J Strength Cond Res 32(5): 1288-1296, 2018-The purpose of this study was to investigate differences among player positions at 3 grade levels in elite, collegiate-prospective American football players. Participants' data (n = 7,160) were analyzed for this study (mean height [Ht] ± SD = 178 ± 7 cm, mass [Bm] = 86 ± 19 kg). Data were obtained from 12 different high school American football recruiting combines hosted by Zybek Sports (Boulder, Colorado). Eight 2-way (9 × 3) mixed factorial analysis of variances {position (defensive back [DB], defensive end, defensive lineman, linebacker, offensive lineman [OL], quarterback, running back, tight end, and wide receiver [WR]) × grade (freshmen, sophomores, and juniors)} were used to test for differences among the mean test scores for each combine measure (Ht, Bm, 40-yard [40 yd] dash, proagility [PA] drill, L-cone [LC] drill, vertical jump [VJ], and broad jump [BJ]). There were position-related differences (p ≤ 0.05) for Ht, 40 yd dash, and BJ, within each grade level and for Bm, PA, LC, and VJ independent of grade level. Generally, the results showed that OL were the tallest, weighed the most, and exhibited the lowest performance scores among positions. Running backs were the shortest, whereas DBs and WRs weighed the least and exhibited the highest performance scores among positions. These results demonstrate the value of classifying high school-aged American football players according to their specific position rather than categorical groupings such as "line" vs. "skill" vs. "big skill" when evaluating anthropometric and athletic performance combine test results.

Do sunk costs affect expert decision making? Evidence from the within-game usage of NFL running backs

The presence of the sunk-cost fallacy in expert decision making is tested by examining the within-game usage of players in the National Football League (NFL). Using the exogenous variation in compensation from the NFL’s free agency rules, we show that compensation, which is a sunk cost, significantly increases the number of rushing attempts for NFL running backs. The relationship between rushing attempts and compensation is estimated to be unit elastic. The increase in compensation from being eligible for unrestricted free agency has an equivalent effect on the number of rushing attempts as an additional 174–222 rushing yards in the previous season, which has a value of 13.9–17.8 offensive points.

Performance and Return to Sport After Clavicle Open Reduction and Internal Fixation in National Football League Players.

Background:Clavicle fractures are common injuries in professional football. Surgical fixation of these injuries may lead to decreased nonunion rates, improved shoulder strength, and decreased residual functional impairment.Purpose:To determine (1) return-to-sport (RTS) rate in National Football League (NFL) players after clavicle fracture open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF), (2) postoperative career length and games per season, (3) pre- and postoperative performance, and (4) postoperative performance compared with control players matched by position, age, years of experience, and performance.Study Design:Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.Methods:Publicly available records were used to identify players who underwent surgical treatment of a clavicle fracture while playing in the NFL. Demographic and performance data were collected for each player, and matched controls were identified. Control and case performance scores were calculated using a standardized scoring system. RTS was defined as playing in 1 NFL game after surgery. Comparisons between case and control groups at preoperative and postoperative time points were made using paired-samples Student t tests.Results:Seventeen surgeries (16 players) were analyzed. Fifteen players (94.1%) were able to RTS in the NFL at a mean 211.3 ± 144.7 days postsurgery; 7 (44%) returned within the same season as their injury and subsequent fixation. The overall rate of a player’s remaining in the NFL 1 year after surgery was 88.2%. Players who underwent surgery played in a similar number of games per season and had similar career lengths in the NFL as controls (P > .05). There were no significant (P > .05) differences between cases and matched controls presurgery and preindex. There was no difference (P > .05) in postoperative performance scores or games per season compared with preoperative scores or games per season for any position. Quarterbacks (n = 3, P = .049) and running backs (n = 5, P = .039) had significantly worse postoperative performance scores when compared with postindex matched controls.Conclusion:There is a high rate of RTS in the NFL after clavicle fracture ORIF. Players who underwent clavicle fracture ORIF played in a similar number of games per season and had similar career lengths in the NFL as controls. Quarterbacks and running backs had significantly worse postoperative performance scores when compared with postindex matched controls.

Performance and Return to Sport After Achilles Tendon Repair in National Football League Players.

Achilles tendon injuries are common in sports, including football. The purpose of this study was to determine (1) return-to-sport rate in National Football League (NFL) players following Achilles tendon repair, (2) postoperative career length and games per season, (3) pre- and postoperative performance, and (4) postoperative performance compared with control players matched by position, age, years of experience, and performance. Publicly available records were used to identify NFL players who underwent Achilles tendon repair and matched controls were identified. Ninety-five players (98 surgeries) were analyzed (mean age 28.2 ± 2.8 years; mean 5.5 ± 2 .8 years in NFL at time of surgery). Demographic and performance data were collected. Comparisons between case and control groups and preoperative and postoperative time points were made using paired-samples Student t tests. Seventy-one (72.4%) players were able to return to sport in the NFL at a mean of 339.8 ± 84.8 days following surgery. Thirty-one (32%) Achilles tendon repairs were performed during training camp or preseason. Controls (3.6 ± 2.1 years) had a significantly longer NFL career ( P < .05) than players who underwent Achilles tendon repair (2.7 ± 2.1 years). There was no significant difference in games per season in subsequent seasons following surgery compared with controls. Postoperative performance scores were significantly worse ( P < .05) for running backs (RBs) (n = 4) and linebackers (LBs) (n = 12) compared to preoperative scores. LBs had significantly worse postoperative performance scores when compared to matched controls ( P < .05). Following Achilles tendon repair, less than 75% of players returned to the NFL. Postoperative career length was 1 season shorter than matched controls. No difference was observed in the number of games per season played compared to matched controls. Postoperative performance scores were significantly worse for RBs and LBs compared to preoperative and LBs had significantly worse postoperative performance when compared to matched controls. Level III, retrospective comparative series.

Effect of Body Composition and Mass Adjustments on Workload Estimation in NCAA Division I Football Players

PURPOSE: Global Positioning Systems (GPS) and accelerometer integrated wearable technology (IWT) is often used to quantify an athlete’s work output. Differences in body composition may impact an athlete’s workload. This study examined the relationship between IWT determined total workload (TWL) and body composition measurements between 9 football positions. METHODS: TWL was measured in 78 NCAA Division I football athletes [9 Safeties (S), 6 Cornerbacks (CB), 12 Wide Receivers (WR), 5 Running Backs (RB), 5 Quarterbacks (QB), 6 Tight Ends (TE), 13 Linebackers (LB), 13 Defensive Linemen (DL), and 9 Offensive Linemen (OL)] using IWT during summer training sessions (June-July). Body fat percentage (BF%) and total upper body – lean lower mass ratio (TULLR) were determined using dual X-ray absorptiometry. Average TWL for the measured period was multiplied by BF%, BMI, and TULLR to obtain relative values for each player. An ANOVA was used to test the effect of position on each workload variable. When position had a significant effect, a Tukey test determined positional differences. RESULTS: Position had an effect on TWL (p<0.001) with S having a higher TWL than OL. When TWL was adjusted for BF% OL had significantly (p<0.025) higher TWL than all positions. There were no differences in TWL by position when adjusted for BMI (p=0.174) or TULLR (p=0.107). Table 1 presents the positional comparisons for each measure of TWL. CONCLUSION: Data from this study suggests that adjustments of TWL influences the interpretation of positional differences. Given that TWL is estimated based on changes in acceleration, the amount, and composition, of the athlete’s mass is critical to understanding the actual work being performed. Based on the observed variance in physiological response to similar TWL, future studies should examine relative player loads based on body mass and composition.Table 1: Total Workload and Relative Adjustments mean (±SD)