Although I doubt the statistical correlation between concussions and kickoffs is the stat that they use, I'm sure there's some type of claim behind it that makes the game safer. Whether it's actually a legitimate statistic or not I have my doubts but saying "hey we're trying to eliminate the play where 11 players get a 40 yard headstart to run at the ball carrier and clock him" makes sense to the blind eye. I'm not saying it to be an a-hole but have you ever played? Peel back blocks and blindside hits are very prevalent on special teams. I've delivered peel back blocks that knocked both me and the opposong player out on a punt return. It can be pretty scary. The easiest change they can do to make the game safer, get the calls correct AND speed them up is to add an official to each crew and station him in the review booth with radio contact to every official on the field (earpiece or headset in live action). On TV we see whether a play is pass interference or a helmet to helmet, or who hit who first after the play seconds after the play happens. It'd be an easy way to correct all of wrong calls on the spot.
No, and I admit, I'm not looking at this from the player's perspective, because I have none to offer. My basic points about this have always been that: A) Football is inherently dangerous and b) No one is forcing these guys to suit up. They are paid mercenaries, so to speak. And extremely well paid ones, at that. Because of these two premises, I believe that, while players have every right to do everything within in their power to protect their health, fans have every right to exclusively limit their focus to the quality, purity, and integrity of the competition. I am one of those fans.
Yeah I mean as a former high school player I would've been pissed to see any aspect of the game altered. The problem with the former lawsuits is that players in the 70s and 80s and even into the 90's and early 2000s had very little knowledge of CTE and the agregious nature of being forced back into game action after sustaining a concussion is what forced that gigantic lawsuit to come go fruition. It's unfortunate but the best young athletes are going to be swayed away from the game to pursue much safer sports. It depends on who you are and where you are but I certainly won't sway my children away from player the sport if I ever have them.
interesting, this is a sport played at many levels and that teaches kids a tremendous amount. its played by alot more kids than "paid mercenaries" and efforts need to be made to make the game as safe as possible. that is why the wedge was outlawed, its dangerous to have guys arm in arm running down the field having other guys job be to do nothing more than blow up the wedge. that made kickoffs much safer, i would never put a top player on kick off return. They run far more risk of injury in my eyes and of injury and severe injury rather than minor injury. i dont particularly care for that type of fan
This sounds nice on the surface, but unfortunately, isn't relevant to the discussion at hand. After all, we are discussing the NFL (a league in which only adults are allowed to participate), not peewee football. I couldn't care less what they do in College football and below. Cool
Totally agree here. Players must always be informed of the very serious risks associated with their profession.
the lack of care and understanding of the game and how it impacts all levels of the game are what i was referring to earlier. everything that happens affects all levels below. its very important that they do what is right, not just what the guys who watch simply for entertainment want.
They can get rid of all purportedly dangerous special teams plays in high school and below for all I care (even in college, if they are so inclined). Again, I give no fucks about youth sports. I don't invest time, energy, and money in youth football. I do however, devote plenty of hours and resources into NFL games. I want the competition protected. And, sorry, but the NFL is sports entertainment. It's a business. I'll write it again: NFL players are paid mercenaries. They are paid inordinately well for the service they provide. No one is holding a gun to their head. And as a devoted consumer of that business product, it's not my responsibility to worry about player safety. My interests lie in protecting the quality of the sport. Special teams plays are a fun, unpredictable, and fundamentally unique aspect of football that help make the sport standout from its rivals. I want them left alone.
Good point. Statistics show that leaving kickoffs untouched will result in a 70% likelihood of all current players becoming "crippled" within the next 5-10 years.
Because some crackbacks and the running starts... they act like it's the only part of the game where there are collisions. It's pathetic and a weak attempt.
