Shocking Injury Surge: Are Coaches to Blame for Football Players' Declining Health?

In the world of college football, injuries can become a pervasive challenge, but for the Grinnell College football team, the last few seasons have seen a particularly severe toll. With a roster of only **62 players**, Grinnell's squad is significantly smaller than many of its competitors. For comparison, Monmouth College, which topped the Midwest Conference last season with a **9-0 record**, boasts **128 players** on its roster. This disparity creates unique challenges for the Pioneers, who have felt the strain of injuries more acutely than most.

“We’re one of the smallest football teams I’ve ever seen,” said Kevin Johanson, a **defensive back** and the team’s all-time leader in interception return yardage. Johanson, who transitioned from cornerback to safety during his tenure, explained that the smaller number of players means that each individual bears a heavier load during practice, consequently increasing the risk of injuries. “So what that looks like is you have to practice for the same amount of time, but more people are taking the brunt of the practice. And so injuries amount.”

Despite his own struggles with foot and shoulder issues, Johanson has managed to remain on the field without missing a game. “My injuries weren’t things that just stopped me from playing. It was more that I had to play with limited mobility and a little more pain than normal,” he said, adding that lingering injuries can often resurface dramatically. His teammate, Bert Greene, who played all but one game over his first three seasons at linebacker, faced a more severe setback as he missed the entirety of the **2025 season** due to a hip injury. “Every time you get something hit and it swells up, that doesn’t go away, like, ever,” Greene remarked.

The coaching staff at Grinnell is smaller compared to many competitors, which Johanson noted can limit the specialized training and rehabilitation that players receive. However, the recent hiring of a dedicated strength coach, **Steve Lewis**, for the **fall 2025 season** has brought some hope for improved health among the players. “He’s really knowledgeable, and he’s a reason we don’t have nearly as many injuries as we should have,” said Johanson. Lewis understands that Grinnell's players, who often balance rigorous academics with athletics, may not recover as quickly as those at larger, more resource-rich institutions. “He understands how to write his programs so that they’re actually helpful for us, and it’s hugely injury preventative.”

Johanson emphasized the importance of strength training, particularly for neck strength, to help minimize the risk of concussions, a growing concern in football. “The concussions are a big thing,” Greene acknowledged. “That’s something that I didn’t care about it at all in high school, but once I got to college, I was like, yeah, maybe I don’t want to go as hard as I should, because now I have to be in class. And I value my education.” Players at Grinnell take a concussion baseline test at the beginning of each season, which serves as a reference point should they experience symptoms during the year. Modern equipment and a commitment to limiting full-contact practices—generally confined to once or twice a week—have also contributed to keeping injuries at bay.

However, the possibility of head injuries is a lingering concern. Greene shared his experience, noting that he often had a “slight sensitivity to light” during the season, which affected his ability to focus on tasks like reading. “I’ve definitely experienced my share of minor concussions, probably quite frequently,” Johanson admitted. Fortunately, Grinnell's coaching staff is acutely aware of the risks, ensuring that they prioritize player health. “There’s been a big trend in not hitting as much recently,” Johanson explained. “They try to make most of the injuries come from a game and not from practice.”

As the Grinnell Pioneers continue their season, they face not only the physical challenges of competing in college football but also the mental hurdles that injuries can impose. With their newly implemented strength training programs and a focus on player health, there is cautious optimism that the team can mitigate the injury risks that have plagued them in the past. As they strive to find their footing against larger opponents, the emphasis on health and preparedness may prove to be just as crucial as their athletic prowess on the field.