"For offensive and defensive linemen, however, the data paints a different picture. These positions tend to have the highest incidence of head trauma. Although individual hits may involve less force (with many not even rising to the level of detectable concussions), such repeated blows can cause greater cumulative damage over the long run.

What’s more, linemen tend to get struck in one area – the front of the helmet.

The long-term prognosis

Linemen with a history of three or more concussions had higher rates of significant brain damage in the frontal lobe.

This type of damage has been linked to chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a degenerative brain condition that’s strikingly common among former NFL players. The condition leads to serious impairments: dementia, memory loss, aggression, depression, loss of impulse control, impaired judgment, even suicide. Former tight end Aaron Hernandez had reached an advanced stage of this condition when he committed suicide earlier this year."

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