What is it with NFL players not wearing their mouthpieces?

[ApolytonGP]

I see this all the time in games. Sometimes, they will have it out between plays and then put it in at the play. Other times, it will be out for active plays.

See here for an example. Both the CB and WR have dangling mouthpieces:



I just wore the standard boxing style (not on a lanyard) style mouthpiece and it always protected my teeth in football (and in boxing).

The one time I got lazy in a high school practice and left it out, I got tackled (this was the 80s high school, so we scrimmaged live a lot) and chipped some teeth.

I just don't get it. I mean once you get used to it (like wearing a jock or whatever), it doesn't even bug you. Sure it feels funny at first. But I would expect most of these guys have been playing since HS or earlier and just would be used to it.

I didn't even find that it impacted my ability to be heard. Just use your "command voice" and project with your diaphragm a little.

I also don't get why so many have those on the lanyard things. Just leave it in your mouth the whole time you are on the field, not taking it out between plays. You don't need a lanyard then. Just get used to it. It becomes something you don't notice.

 

[ApolytonGP]

Oh...and I totally didn't understand the "turn and hit with back of your shoulders" style of tackling by DBs that often led to missed tackles. If they guy is bigger than you, go low and get a leg up and tackle (with good form, head up, squatted, back slightly angled, like a wrestling tackle). That works even if you are Pat Fischer taking on John Riggens. You won't get hurt if you keep your head up. Even if you can't get a leg up, you still wrap up and wait for the cavalry.

Fortunately this trend seems to be getting coached out lately. Haven't seen it as much. But I was in shock to see it for so long from so many pro players.