Pro Football Hall of Famer Troy Aikman has a theory for why NFL injuries have seemingly become more frequent.
Aikman suggested that the restrictions the NFL has placed on training camp practices are at least partly responsible for an increase in early-season injuries. The former Dallas Cowboys quarterback made clear that the restrictions are better for players, but have had an unintended side effect.
“I think that we see so many injuries, especially early in the year,” Aikman said in an appearance on the “Rodeo Time” podcast. “A lot of soft tissue injuries, a lot of muscle pulls and things of that nature. The players, they’re just not able to train the way that we once did. they’re not able to callous their bodies as easily. Not that they’re not training hard and all that, but it’s different training on your own as opposed to being on the football field going through football movements. It taxes you a little bit more.”
Aikman noted that during his rookie year, training camp consisted of six weeks of two-a-days. Now, the NFL’s collective bargaining agreements restricts how frequently players can practice in pads.
There is no way to verify whether Aikman is right or not. He is correct that training camps are easier than they used to be, though by no means are they forgiving. One could also argue that modern players are bigger, faster, and more specialized, which could also have a detrimental effect.
Aikman is not really known as being one of the analysts who yearns for the old days, though there are plenty of things about modern sports that he dislikes. In this instance, he may be onto something.
