What football position is most at risk for cervical spine injuries due to head-down contact?

The position most at risk for cervical spine injuries due to head-down contact is that of the defensive back. Defensive backs, who are primarily tasked with defending against passing plays, often engage in physical collisions while trying to tackle or intercept the ball. These interactions frequently involve a head-down position, particularly during aggressive tackles or when attempting to defend against receivers. This positioning can leave them vulnerable to cervical spine injuries, especially if they collide with an opponent's body at an awkward angle or with significant force.

In contrast, other positions like linebackers and wide receivers may also encounter head contact during plays, but the nature of their gameplay tends to differ. Linebackers generally play closer to the line of scrimmage and can be more prepared for contact, while wide receivers are more often focused on completing passes and may avoid contact altogether by running routes. Quarterbacks, on the other hand, are typically protected by their offensive line and may not experience the same level of direct, high-impact collisions that defensive backs face. Thus, the role and responsibilities of a defensive back make them particularly susceptible to cervical spine injuries linked to head-down hits.