A Football Player’s Guide to Preventing ACL Injuries

Football is tough on your knees. Quick cuts, sudden stops, hard tackles—all of it puts serious stress on the ACL, one of the main ligaments that keeps your knee stable. And when that ligament tears? You could be out for the season.

Whether you’re playing Friday night lights or competing at the college level, protecting your knees needs to be part of your training plan. That means smart prevention, knowing what to do if an injury happens, and using the right tools—like an ACL knee brace—to help you stay in the game.

What Is an ACL Tear?

The ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) connects your thigh bone to your shin bone and helps stabilize the knee during movement. ACL tears in football usually happen when:

• You quickly change direction
• You land awkwardly from a jump
• Your knee takes a direct hit or twist

Some athletes hear a pop, followed by pain, swelling, and a feeling of instability. Others just know something’s not right.

If you think you’ve torn your ACL, stop immediately. Don’t try to "walk it off." Ice it, keep it elevated, and get medical attention as soon as possible.

How to Prevent ACL Tears in Football

You can’t eliminate risk completely, but there’s a lot you can do to reduce your chances of getting injured.

1. Warm Up Properly
   Start every practice or game with dynamic stretches and light cardio. Warming up helps activate the muscles that support your knees and improves mobility.
2. Train for Strength and Stability
   Strong legs and a strong core help absorb the impact of cuts and collisions. Focus on exercises that target your quads, hamstrings, glutes, hips, and core. Balance and single-leg drills are also helpful for knee stability.
3. Practice Good Movement Mechanics
   How you run, land, and change direction matters. Coaches and trainers should regularly check form and provide feedback. Small adjustments can make a big difference in injury prevention.
4. Use Protective Gear When Needed
   Football-specific ACL braces can offer extra support during practices or games—especially if you’ve had a previous injury or are recovering from one. They help stabilize the knee and reduce the risk of reinjury.

Treating an ACL Injury

If you do tear your ACL, the first step is controlling swelling and pain with RICE: Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation. Avoid putting weight on the knee until a doctor evaluates the injury.

Some athletes will need surgery, especially if they plan to return to competitive football. Others may rehab through physical therapy alone. Either way, recovery takes time and patience—usually several months of focused rehab.

During this time, an ACL brace can help:

• Protect the knee during early recovery
• Provide confidence during rehab exercises
• Support movement as you return to training

Even after being cleared to play, many athletes continue to wear a brace for added security.

Choosing the Right ACL Brace for Football

Not all knee braces are the same. Football puts your body through high-speed, high-impact motion, so your gear needs to be up for the challenge.

Look for braces that offer:

• Adjustable straps for a secure, custom fit
• Strong hinges to prevent side-to-side instability
• Comfortable padding to wear during long practices or games
• Lightweight materials that don’t restrict movement

Different positions have different needs. For example, linemen may want extra reinforcement, while skill players might prefer a lighter, low-profile brace. Your physical therapist can also guide you on which type of brace is best for each phase of recovery.

Long-Term Knee Health for Football Players

Coming back from an ACL injury is one thing. Staying healthy is another. Keep your knees strong and stable with a few long-term habits:

• Add balance and stability exercises to your workouts
• Stretch regularly, especially your hamstrings and quads
• Keep practicing good landing and cutting mechanics
  
• Include hip and core strength work in your training
• Pay attention to soreness—don’t ignore early signs of stress

Regular check-ins with a physical therapist or sports doctor—especially before the season starts—can also help catch small issues before they become big ones.

Stay Ready with DonJoy® Knee Braces

If you’re recovering from an ACL tear or want to protect against one, a high-quality knee brace can make a big difference. DonJoy® Store offers football-tested ACL braces designed to support your performance and reduce the risk of reinjury.

Explore our top-rated braces to find the one that fits your position, playing style, and recovery stage.

Your knees take a beating. Give them the support they deserve.
Shop ACL injury braces at DonJoy® Store