In recent years, there has been much debate around whether linebackers in football should wear protective backplates. A backplate is an extra piece of plastic that can be inserted into the back of the shoulder pads to add protection to the spine and back area. With concerns around injuries and player safety growing, backplates have been proposed as a way to help minimize the risks that linebackers face when making and taking tackles. However, not everyone agrees that backplates are necessary or even helpful. As with any protective equipment, there are tradeoffs to consider in terms of range of motion, comfort, and effectiveness. In this article, we will look at the key considerations around backplates for linebackers and examine both sides of the debate.
What risks do linebackers face?
Linebackers have one of the most physically demanding positions in football. Their main responsibilities are to stop the run by tackling ball carriers and to drop back into pass coverage. This requires linebackers to be in the heart of the action, colliding at full speed with offensive players on almost every play. As a result, linebackers face a high risk of injuries to their head, neck, back, and shoulders. Some of the most common injuries include:
- Stinger: Nerve injury that causes a burning sensation in the neck and shoulder.
- Spinal cord concussion: Minor injury to the spinal cord that causes temporary paralysis.
- Herniated disk: Ruptured disk in the spine that can cause pain, weakness or numbness.
- Spinal fractures: Broken vertebrae in the back, which can potentially lead to paralysis.
- Shoulder dislocations: Dislocated shoulder joint, often caused by a hard tackle.
- Rotator cuff tears: Tearing of the muscles and tendons in the shoulder.
These types of injuries can end seasons or even careers and lead to long-term health complications. Given the collisions linebackers endure on every play, there is a clear incentive to find ways to better protect their bodies.
How could backplates help?
Backplates are a rigid piece of plastic or carbon fiber that slide into pockets on the back of shoulder pads. They are designed to add extra protection to the spine by dispersing the force from collisions and reducing the whiplash effect. Essentially, by reinforcing the back of the pads, backplates aim to minimize the risk of spinal injuries.
Advocates argue that backplates offer the following benefits for linebackers:
- Prevent hyperextension of the spine: The added rigidity limits excessive backward bending of the neck and back.
- Disperse direct impact: Spreads out the force when getting blocked or tackled from behind.
- Reduce risk of spinal fractures: Stabilizes the vertebrae to prevent breaks or disc herniations.
- Limit whiplash injuries: Minimizes the whipping motion that strains neck muscles and ligaments.
- Provide peace of mind: Can give linebackers more confidence when hitting or getting hit.
For aging linebackers nearing the end of their careers, backplates may help compensate for declining muscle strength and slower reaction times that make them more susceptible to back injuries. Overall, backplates seem like a relatively simple equipment addition that could significantly improve protection for linebackers’ vulnerable spines.
What are the concerns about backplates?
While the potential safety benefits of backplates seem clear, there are some objections and concerns raised by players, coaches, and experts:
- Limit mobility and range of motion: Adding bulk and weight could impede linebackers from turning, looking over their shoulder, and raising their arms.
- Cause more injuries: The extra mass could put strain on muscles, tendons, and joints not used to bearing that weight.
- False sense of security: Could lead to reckless hitting and spearing with the head if players feel overly protected.
- Not proven effective: Some experts argue there is limited data showing backplates directly reduce spinal or nerve injuries.
- Uncomfortable: Many players find backplates awkward, bulky, and inhibiting.
- Position-specific design: Plates likely need to be tailored to linebacker needs versus other positions.
Additionally, backplates do not protect all parts of the body equally. Even with the extra spinal protection, linebackers’ heads, necks, shoulders, and knees remain vulnerable. So backplates address one risk but cannot eliminate all the inherent dangers that linebackers face.
What are players saying?
Current opinion among NFL linebackers seems mixed on whether adopting backplates would be beneficial:
Supportive voices
- “Anything to protect your neck and spine needs to be looked at.” – Luke Kuechly, Panthers linebacker
- “I’m surprised they’re not mandatory…it’s about longevity for players.” – Khaseem Greene, former Bears linebacker
- “They don’t restrict anything I do and protect against freak accidents.” – Chris Borland, former 49ers linebacker
Skeptical voices
- “Hinder performance more than help.” – Clay Matthews, Packers linebacker
- “Make my pads feel more restrictive.” – Alec Ogletree, Giants linebacker
- “Bulk and weight takes some getting used to.” – Deion Jones, Falcons linebacker
The perspectives indicate that trying backplates involves an adjustment period as players get used to the feel. But many who have tried them agree the potential injury prevention benefits outweigh any downsides.
Usage in different football leagues
Backplate adoption varies across different levels of football:
| League | Backplate Usage |
|---|---|
| NFL | Optional for all players |
| NCAA | Required for linemen since 2018 |
| High School | Required for linemen in 34 states |
The use of mandatory backplates for linemen but not linebackers suggests the decision depends partly on the perceived level of risk based on players’ size and positions. The NFL policy leaves the choice up to players, while lower levels proactively require backplates for those deemed most vulnerable.
Expert opinions
Doctors and medical experts generally encourage the adoption of backplates:
- “Reducing forces delivered to the spine is always advantageous.” – Dr. Robert Cantu, head injury expert
- “Every little bit of protection helps for minimizing risk.” – Dr. Kristy Arbogast, engineering professor
- “For rotator cuff and spinal issues, it just makes sense.” – Dawn Comstock, injury epidemiologist
However, some experts note backplates should be one part of a comprehensive approach:
- “Can’t rely on equipment alone to prevent injuries.” – Dr. Allen Sills, NFL Chief Medical Officer
- “Must be combined with proper tackling techniques.” – Dr. Thom Mayer, Medical Director of NFLPA
- “Good strength training also key for injury prevention.” – Dr. David Geier, orthopedic surgeon
So while backplates can provide additional protection, they are not a magic solution and must be combined with proper coaching, medical care, and conditioning to optimize player safety.
Cost-benefit analysis
In deciding whether to adopt backplates, teams and leagues have to weigh several factors:
Potential benefits
- Reduced risk of spinal cord injuries
- Fewer missed games from back-related injuries
- Increased player confidence in tackling
- Extended playing careers
- Reinforce culture of safety
Potential drawbacks
- Costs of purchasing backplates ($60-$150 per player)
- Need to retrofit existing shoulder pads
- Added weight/restriction of movement
- Learning curve to adjust to new equipment
- Does not prevent all injuries
Teams will have to evaluate injury rates at their level of play and decide if the potential reduction is worth the identified costs and downsides. But overall, evidence suggests backplates provide health benefits that likely outweigh the costs for most teams.
Conclusion
In the high-impact sport of football, linebackers clearly face elevated risks of spinal, neck, and back injuries. While concerns around mobility and comfort exist, the protection offered by backplates against disabling injuries is hard to ignore. Players who have tried backplates report the benefits becoming apparent after an initial adjustment phase. With medical experts strongly advocating their use and youth leagues already mandating them for linemen, backplates for NFL linebackers seem a prudent step. Much as helmets became mandatory after initial resistance, the league should strongly consider making backplates required equipment to maximize player safety. Teams at all levels should do a careful evaluation, but the proven effectiveness and affordability means backplates belong on most linebackers. By taking this proactive measure, teams can help safeguard athletes against preventable injuries that jeopardize their long-term health and ability to play the game.