New NFL Rule Regarding Running Backs and Receivers

[PilotsFan]

CNN was just talking about a new rule that will go for a vote next week. This rule states that a running back or receiver cannot lower their head and use their helmet to make initial contact against a defender.

Imagine telling that to Earl Cambell or Walter Payton!

Anyway, I'll try to find something in print.

[shaud19]

DALLAS (105.3 THE FAN) - The NFL is changing its rules to prevent ball-carriers from initiating contact with the crown of the helmet.

It’s an attempt to make the game safer – but the league’s all-time leading rusher, Emmitt Smith, thinks the NFL should have its own head examined.

“If I’m a running back and I’m running into a linebacker, you’re telling me I have to keep my head up so he can take my chin off?’’ Smith said Thursday in an exclusive interview with Dallas radio station 105.3 The Fan. “You’ve absolutely lost your mind.’’

The NFL’s rules-making competition committee will propose this change to NFL owners at league meetings next week. At least 24 votes from 32 owners are required for passage.

“As a running back, it’s almost impossible (to not lower your head),’’ said the Dallas Cowboys legend. “The first thing you do is get behind your shoulder pads. That means you’re leaning forward and the first part of contact that’s going to take place is your head, regardless.

“I disagree with the rule altogether. It doesn’t make any sense for that position. It sounds like it’s been made up by people who have never played the game of football.’’

Source: http://dfw.cbslocal.com/2013/03/14/e...lost-its-mind/

The game is really heading toward flag football if this rule is implemented. Lowering the head is for self preservation!! I want players to be safe but the rules are getting ridiculous and misguided.

[Broons66]

The constant rule changes do suck, no doubt. Legends like Jack Lambert laugh at what the sport is turning into. Flag football. Some of the calls last season in protecting the QB were beyond ridiculous. Man, I remember seeing Joe Greene reverse suplex Brian Sipe into the frozen Three Rivers turf. Tatum nearly decapitate Russ Francis. Etc. Times are changing, not for the better.

[JKidd]

Wow. I have nothing else to say, other than wow.

[blades29]

This is incredibly pathetic.

I'm gonna start to watch more rugby...

[thepolishkid88]

I think they are calling it the Adrian Peterson rule. They keep adding layers of rules pretty soon the fanbase will be gone. It won't be the game we knew.

I was watching a replay of a Steelers game from 97. The game from then to now is WAY different. So much so that I was counting the flags that were not thrown.

[bigjack]

Originally Posted by JKidd

Wow. I have nothing else to say, other than wow.

This about sums it up!

[nilan30]

At this rate the NBA is giong to be more physical than the NFL and NHL

[flex_buff_chest]

A good start!

Guys might get hurt so you gotta do what you gotta do.

Here is a prototype of the new uniforms they are going to put in place starting next season:



Note the tacklee NOT putting his head down, thus preventing further injury to his tackler.

[bigjack]

Originally Posted by flex_buff_chest

A good start!

Guys might get hurt so you gotta do what you gotta do.

Here is a prototype of the new uniforms they are going to put in place starting next season:



Note the tacklee NOT putting his head down, thus preventing further injury to his tackler.

That's funny!

[illukka]

thats a sumo suit! i had a chance to try one of these on and then sumo with a mate. anyway it really seems as they want every game to be like the pro bowl

[Colt Seavers]

Regarding specific player rule changes: I thought the NFL also needed approval from the NFLPA before going into effect? Hard to believe they would endorse this. If approval isn't needed, then I would assume the PA would grieve it.

[thepolishkid88]

Originally Posted by Colt Seavers

Regarding specific player rule changes: I thought the NFL also needed approval from the NFLPA before going into effect? Hard to believe they would endorse this. If approval isn't needed, then I would assume the PA would grieve it.

NFL rules are voted on by the owners and owners alone. CBA doesn't have anything that says NFLPA gets a say. However they would look very foolish grieving this case. They just put up billions of dollars because of player safety in the concussion issue with the NFL.

Smart money is they stay quiet. I really hate that the owners vote on this, and I really feel the players should be the ones who vote upon it along with a committee.

[shaud19]

It will be interesting to see how strict the rule is enforced. Buffalo Bills Fred Jackson had some good points on the rule:

"It changes the game," Jackson told Tim Graham of the Buffalo News. "You're going to second-guess yourself when you're in the open field. When you're one-on-one with a guy who's going to lower his shoulder into you, now you can't lower your head."If you lower your shoulder and make the wrong contact with him, you're going to get the penalty. It's just going to play in the back of your mind.”

"I'm just going to set aside some fine money because I know I'll probably get fined a couple of times," Jackson said.

Source: http://www.afceastdaily.com/2013/03/...nges-game.html

I'm happy Cincinnati voted against the rule. At least one team will has the guts to stick up for the game.

[NickDoh]

Dumb. Next thing you know they'll add trapezoids.