Epidemiology and Outcomes of Achilles Tendon Ruptures in the National Football League

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to document the epidemiology of Achilles tendon ruptures in the National Football League (NFL) and to quantify the impact of these injuries on player performance. A retrospective review of several online NFL player registries identified 31 Achilles tendon ruptures in NFL players between 1997 and 2002. Nineteen percent of injuries occurred during preseason play, while another 18% occurred during the first month of the official season. There was a postinjury reduction of 88%, 83%, and 78% in power ratings for wide receivers, running backs, and tight ends, respectively, over a 3-year period. There was a 95%, 87%, and 64% postinjury reduction in power ratings for linebackers, cornerbacks, and defensive tackles over a 3-year period. On average, players experienced a greater than 50% reduction in their power ratings following such an injury. Thirty-two percent (n = 10) of NFL players who sustained an Achilles tendon rupture did not return to play in the NFL.

Did the NFL Lockout Expose the Achilles Heel of Competitive Sports?

“…Data from a prior report covering 20 NFL seasons (1980 to 2001) indicated an average of approximately 4 Achilles tendon ruptures per year that required surgical intervention. 7 Parekh and colleagues 19 2,6 This year, following the rapid transition to training camp and preseason practice from the NFL Lockout, 10 Achilles tendon injuries occurred over the first 12 days of training camp, with 2 additional injuries occurring in the subsequent 17 days, which included the first 2 weeks of preseason competition (FIGURE). 2,6 To further put these numbers in perspective, we have to consider that of the 31 Achilles tendon ruptures that occurred for the entire period between 1997 and 2002 in the NFL, 35% occurred during the preseason and the remaining 65% occurred during games in the regular season.…”

“…2,6 To further put these numbers in perspective, we have to consider that of the 31 Achilles tendon ruptures that occurred for the entire period between 1997 and 2002 in the NFL, 35% occurred during the preseason and the remaining 65% occurred during games in the regular season. 19 Based on these data, we would expect between 1 and 3 Achilles tendon injuries during the 6 weeks that included training camp and preseason. While it is noted that the preseason rosters were increased from 80 to 90 players this year, this 12.5% increase in the number of players cannot fully account for a 4-fold increase (from 3 to 12) Achilles tendon ruptures in the preseason.…”

“…Unfortunately, these injuries likely represent career-altering and often careerending events for professional athletes, as one third of the players who sustain an Achilles tendon rupture in the NFL never return back to competition. 19 The remaining two thirds, who are able to return back to play in the NFL following Achilles tendon repair, require approximately 11 months of rehabilitation. 19 Moreover, these returning players experience a greater than 50% reduction in their power ratings, which is a measure of performance using statistics gathered during game play (eg, passing and rushing yards for an offensive player and tackles and interceptions for a defensive player).…”

“…19 The remaining two thirds, who are able to return back to play in the NFL following Achilles tendon repair, require approximately 11 months of rehabilitation. 19 Moreover, these returning players experience a greater than 50% reduction in their power ratings, which is a measure of performance using statistics gathered during game play (eg, passing and rushing yards for an offensive player and tackles and interceptions for a defensive player). 19 To put this year's data into context, we need to first consider historical data related to the incidence of Achilles tendon ruptures in the NFL.…”

“…19 Moreover, these returning players experience a greater than 50% reduction in their power ratings, which is a measure of performance using statistics gathered during game play (eg, passing and rushing yards for an offensive player and tackles and interceptions for a defensive player). 19 To put this year's data into context, we need to first consider historical data related to the incidence of Achilles tendon ruptures in the NFL. Data from a prior report covering 20 NFL seasons (1980 to 2001) indicated an average of approximately 4 Achilles tendon ruptures per year that required surgical intervention.…”