Running backs in the NFL are known for having short careers. They are often seen as expendable by teams, and many players struggle to maintain their position in the league for more than a few years. Factors such as high injury risk, physical demands, and shorter shelf life are the most challenging reasons for running backs to have short careers. Read on to learn more about the reasons why do running backs have short careers.
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Primary Reasons Why Do Running Backs Have Short Careers?
The running back position is notorious for its short career span. The following are some of the primary reasons why running backs have short careers:
The Physical Demands of the Position
Running back is one of the most physically demanding positions on the football field. Players in this position are required to take a significant amount of punishment, as they are responsible for running the ball through the defense. They must also be able to block and catch passes, which adds to the physical demands of the position. This constant physical punishment takes a toll on the body and can lead to injuries that shorten a player’s career.
The High Rate of Injury
Running backs are at a higher risk of injury than players in other positions. This is due in part to the physical demands of the position, but also because of the way they play the game. Running backs are often hit at high speeds, and the force of these collisions can cause serious injury. Knee injuries are especially common among running backs, as they rely heavily on their legs to make plays.
The Nature of the Game
Football is a high-contact sport, and players are constantly at risk of injury. Running backs, in particular, are more likely to suffer from concussions and head injuries due to the frequency of contact with other players. These injuries can have long-term effects on a player’s health and can shorten their career.
The Replacement Mentality
Running backs are often seen as interchangeable by teams. This is due in part to the fact that there are many talented players available at this position, but also because of the high rate of injury and the physical demands of the position. Teams are often willing to replace running backs who are injured or who have lost a step, which can lead to a short career for many players.
The Evolution of the Game
The NFL has evolved over the years, and the way the game is played has changed as well. Teams are now relying more on the passing game, which means that running backs are being used less frequently. This shift in the game has made it more difficult for running backs to maintain their position in the league and has contributed to the short careers of many players.
The Business Side of the Sport
Professional football is a business, and teams are always looking for ways to improve their bottom line. Running backs are often seen as a high-risk position, due to the high rate of injury and the physical demands of the position. Teams are often willing to let running backs go in favor of younger, cheaper players who are seen as less of a risk.
Shorter Shelf Life
Running backs have a shorter shelf life than other positions in football. This is because running backs are required to take more hits, putting additional stress on their bodies. The average career length of a running back is around three years, with only a few exceptions. With such a short career span, running backs need to maximize their playing time, leading to more aggressive playing styles that put them at risk of injury.
Factors Contributing to Short Careers for Running Backs
Several factors contribute to the shortened career span for running backs:
Overuse
Running backs are often overused by their coaches. Coaches rely on their running backs to carry the bulk of the offense, leading to increased injury risk and a shorter career span. Running backs who carry the ball frequently are more likely to suffer from injuries, leading to reduced playing time.
Changing NFL Rules
In recent years, the NFL has changed the rules to make the game safer for players. These changes have led to an increase in penalties for helmet-to-helmet hits and other dangerous plays, making it more challenging for running backs to avoid injury. The emphasis on player safety is a positive development for the sport, but it can also contribute to a shorter career span for running backs.
New Offensive Schemes
NFL teams have started to shift their offensive schemes to prioritize passing the ball rather than running it. As a result, running backs are not as heavily relied upon as they used to be, leading to a decrease in their value to teams. With less playing time, running backs are not given the opportunity to establish themselves in the league, leading to a shorter career span.
Development of Younger Players
NFL teams are always looking for the next star player, and this means that older running backs are often replaced by younger players. With the influx of talented rookies every year, running backs who have been in the league for several years are pushed out, leading to a shorter career span.
Contract Negotiations
Running backs are typically paid less than other positions in the NFL, despite the high injury risk and physical demands of the position. This can lead to running backs being more aggressive on the field, trying to maximize their playing time to earn a bigger contract. The pressure to perform can lead to more injuries and a shorter career span.
Conclusion
Running backs have short careers for a variety of reasons. The physical demands of the position, the high rate of injury, and the evolving nature of the game all play a role in this phenomenon. Additionally, the business side of the sport means that teams are often willing to replace running backs in favor of younger, cheaper players. As the NFL continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how the role of the running back changes and what it means for the future of the sport.
FAQs with Answers about why do running backs have short careers
Why don’t running backs last as long as they used to?
Running backs don’t last as long as they used to due to a combination of factors. These include the physical demands of the position, the high rate of injury, the evolving nature of the game, and the replacement mentality of many NFL teams.
Are running backs usually short?
Running backs are not usually short, but they do tend to be smaller than players in other positions. This is because speed and agility are more important for running backs than size and strength.
What is the career length of a running back?
The average career length for an NFL running back is approximately 2.57 years. However, some running backs have had longer careers, while others have had shorter careers due to injury or other factors.
Why do running backs run low?
Running backs run low in order to gain leverage and avoid being tackled. By staying low to the ground, they are able to keep their balance and power through tackles.
When do running backs decline?
Running backs typically begin to decline in their late 20s or early 30s. This is due to a combination of factors, including wear and tear on the body, a decrease in speed and agility, and an increase in the risk of injury.
What age do running backs retire?
The age at which running backs retire varies widely depending on the player. Some running backs retire in their early 30s, while others continue to play into their late 30s or even early 40s.
How long do running backs last in the NFL?
The average career length for an NFL running back is approximately 2.57 years. However, some running backs have had longer careers, while others have had shorter careers due to injury or other factors.
What is the longest NFL running back career?
The longest NFL running back career belongs to George Blanda, who played for 26 seasons from 1949 to 1975. However, Blanda was primarily a quarterback and kicker and did not play running back for the majority of his career. Among players who primarily played running back, the longest career belongs to Emmitt Smith, who played for 15 seasons from 1990 to 2004.
