Should there be a weight limit for linemen?

[MWH1967]

As we progress through time every advantage has been explored. Every generation has exceeded the prior.

Then there is Larry Allen. He was before his time. I love watching football and as long as its competitive it doesn't matter the size and strength.


1) Place a weight limit on offensive and defensive linemen

I believe that taking this action would save the lives of countless athletes. By placing a weight limit at these positions, the unnatural growth of these athletes will be limited, and their physical health, as well as the quality of football that they play, should increase as a result.

simple really.

Nate Newton played at about 320lbs and he is now about 220lbs.

thoughts?

Newton then...

Newton now...

For example
73 Ralph Neely 32 T 14 14 265

 

[MWH1967]

Set the bar at about 275lbs and call it good. Thats about 50lbs off the body. I want these guys to be able to walk with their grandkids some day in the park.

They body can handle but so much.

 

[Silver Surfer]

Force = mass x acceleration

If you're going to limit the mass, why not the acceleration?

If the lineman have to be smaller, then to be fair they should limit the speed of the players as well.

Sounds like a silly idea doesn't it?

That's because it is.

 

[Ranched]

In the NFL today, both offensive & defensive linemen commonly exceed 300 pounds, with the largest players weighing in close to 400 pounds. In fact, in the contemporary NFL, it is almost impossible for a lineman under the playing weight of 290 pounds to make it in the league, regardless of talent level.

 

[Ranching]

As we progress through time every advantage has been explored. Every generation has exceeded the prior.

Then there is Larry Allen. He was before his time. I love watching football and as long as its competitive it doesn't matter the size and strength.


1) Place a weight limit on offensive and defensive linemen

I believe that taking this action would save the lives of countless athletes. By placing a weight limit at these positions, the unnatural growth of these athletes will be limited, and their physical health, as well as the quality of football that they play, should increase as a result.

simple really.

Nate Newton played at about 320lbs and he is now about 220lbs.

thoughts?

Newton then...

Newton now...

For example
73 Ralph Neely 32 T 14 14 265

No.

 

[Creeper]

I don't see how this could work. I guy who is 6'8" and 280 lbs is a lot different than a guy who is 6'3" and 280 lbs. And what about guys like Tyron Smith who is not really fat, he is just a big guy with a lot of muscle. But what problem are we trying to solve? A lot of players struggle to keep their weight up and after they retire they trim down quite a bit. Their weight may seem like a burden to their bodies but they also get a lot of exercise and physical activity.

Are there studies that show the weight of these players is causing problem later in life or is this just a supposition?

 

[thunderpimp91]

I have 0 data off the top of my head but this feels like more of a problem of yesterday. The league has evolved to quicker players and that includes lineman. Not only that but guys (exceptions exist) are putting on better weight.


maybe I’m wrong but are we still seeing a high quantity of enormously obese lineman? I go down the cowboys roster of lineman and is there anyone I’m that concerned about? Maybe someone like bohanna?

tyron smith is 310 but straight chiseled, Zach Martin doesn’t pop out at me as obese, even a Tyler smith is in phenomenal shape for his size.

I worry a lot more about the running backs/ linebackers who take just extreme punishment week in and week out.

 

[charron]

All players should have 50lb sandbags toed to hands and feet. Boom no more concusions or high speed collisions

 

[MarcusRock]

Force = mass x acceleration

If you're going to limit the mass, why not the acceleration?

If the lineman have to be smaller, then to be fair they should limit the speed of the players as well.

Sounds like a silly idea doesn't it?

That's because it is.

I don't know why but your comment about acceleration made me think of the old electric football games. No high speed collisions there.

 

[zrinkill]

Tyron Smith is a perfect example on why this weight thread is silly.

Guy weighs 300 pounds and looks like this.