There are over 1.5 million males playing American football at all levels in
the United States. American football is the most common participant sport
among high-school-aged males. Owing to its high rate of injury per exposure
hour, American football injuries are commonly treated in the emergency dep
artment during the autumn sports season. This article will review the histo
ry, epidemiology, and specific injury patterns seen in American football, w
ith a focus on head and shoulder injuries.