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Updated: Jul 23, 2026

Modified Drop Tower Impact Tests for American Football Helmets
Published on: February 19, 2017
Catastrophic Spine Injuries in Football
Abstract:
In brief: Catastrophic spine injuries among football players are decreasing, according to data furnished by the National Collegiate Athletic Association. A total of 105 players incurred permanent cervical cord injuries from 1977 through 1987, with 13 such injuries in 1980 and only seven in 1987. Defensive players are at greater risk for quadriplegia than offensive players, and most are injured while tackling. To further reduce catastrophic spine injuries, players must stop using the head as a battering ram and use the shoulder for blocking and tackling instead.
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