NBCSports/PFT | Aikman Suggests Getting Rid Of Helmets

[Cowboy Brian]

Aikman is always right.

I support removing helmets from the game.

 

[Avery]

When you play football, you are taking an inherent risk (just as if you go mountain climbing or driving your daughter to Target on a busy freeway).

The difference between backyard football with ten year olds and these guys is that they are faster, stronger and meaner. Removing helmets is not the answer; concussions are going to happen.

What the league needs to do is the following (may be unpopular, but is in the best interest of their health):

1. If a concussion is diagnosed by an accredited medical professional, that individual will be enforced to adhere to a mandatory paid 2-4 week break (depending on the perceived severity).

2. If a player sustains a certain amount of concussions (4, 5, etc.), they will receive an injury settlement and will be prohibited from further playing in the NFL.

 

[Cowboy Brian]

Just increase the padding.

its a possibility, don't joke.

 

[wconn1979]

They need to expand the number of roster spots available, so teams are not rushing these players back into the game.

 

[daschoo]

It makes you wonder what is going on in England and Australia. I have heard snide remarks from these people about Americans needing helmets. Its the kind of remark that makes you defensive. My argument is that in American football they beging spread apart and run at each other at great speeds, while in Rugby they all start in that scrum and tend to do the opposite. But has there have got to be some horror stories from that sport. I wonder if anyone has died.

rugby is a much slower sport, its more fluid as it doesn't stop and start so much but you get people in open space a lot less open so the players don't tend to get up to full speed therefore the hits are not as hard. aussie rules seems a lot more fast paced but i haven't seen enough of it to make a direct comparison to nfl and have an opinion on why they don't see the need for padding.

 

[BlueBandit]

take away the Hockey Sticks next to prevent facial injuries - let them push the puck up ice with their hands.

 

[Baileyneverfailey]

If they took away the helmets, you would never ever see some of the big hits by DBs that are so fun to see. I don't mean dirty hits either, I mean monster hits like RW31 used to put on people, leading with his shoulder. If your head was unprotected you'd never play with that kind of abandon because you'd be afraid you were going to hurt your head on the other guy's shoulderpads/chin.

The game would slow down and it would be boring. It would be like watching pee wee kids play football trying to tackle each other carefully so they don't get hurt.

 

[bbgun]

If they took away the helmets, you would never ever see some of the big hits by DBs that are so fun to see. I don't mean dirty hits either, I mean monster hits like RW31 used to put on people, leading with his shoulder. If your head was unprotected you'd never play with that kind of abandon because you'd be afraid you were going to hurt your head on the other guy's shoulderpads/chin.

The game would slow down and it would be boring. It would be like watching pee wee kids play football trying to tackle each other carefully so they don't get hurt.

You mean guys like Leron Landry would stop going for "kill" shots and actually "tackle" people instead? Maybe Troy's on to something.

 

[cowboyed]

When you play football, you are taking an inherent risk (just as if you go mountain climbing or driving your daughter to Target on a busy freeway).

The difference between backyard football with ten year olds and these guys is that they are faster, stronger and meaner. Removing helmets is not the answer; concussions are going to happen.

What the league needs to do is the following (may be unpopular, but is in the best interest of their health):

1. If a concussion is diagnosed by an accredited medical professional, that individual will be enforced to adhere to a mandatory paid 2-4 week break (depending on the perceived severity).

2. If a player sustains a certain amount of concussions (4, 5, etc.), they will receive an injury settlement and will be prohibited from further playing in the NFL.

What about shopping inside Target or Walmart on Black Friday? That is more dangerous than being in the middle of a zombie attack.

 

[Sarge]

The first time someone splits their head and face wide open, Aikman will feel like an idiot, which he is for even suggesting taking off the helmets. These guys are WAY too big/strong (and some of them, dumb) too be playing without helmets. Even an innocent knee to the head could be lights out. Aikman is an incredible tool for suggesting this IMO/FWIW.

 

[jackrussell]

 

[FightingIrishman]

I think Troy might still be suffering from the same concussion he blamed for sending Nancy Kerrigan $5000 worth of flowers to ask her out back in the 90s.

Of course, she turned him down. Talk about something you'd like to forget.

 

[Dave_in-NC]

Get rid of the concrete under the carpet.

 

[Quarterback Coach]

Didn't know the sporting news was still around...wow...

 

[SanAntonioCowboy]

If they got rid of the helmet, we would see a ton of broken noses.. Plus, I like seeing the :starspin on the helmet..