Simple Solution to NFL Sleeve Problem

[FiddySicks]

Ok, so this one accually came to me in a dream last night. Now we all know the issue with no sleeves in the NFL, but im seeing a relly simple solution to all of that. The NFL has a contract with a company that makes a product that is very similar to Under Armour. Now if youve ever worn UA you know that it is tight as hell, really slippery making it damn near impossible to grab on to, and its also comfortable as they make cold gear, hot gear, and basically an in between substance as well. So why not change the current sleeves on NFL jerseys to UA style sleeves, and, dare I say, even possibly make the jerseys long sleeve. It solves the sleeve striping issue as well as the holding issue altogather. I doubt NFL players will complain too much as a big chunk of them wear UA under their jerseys anyway. What do you think?

[twi]

Mandate a sleeve length, then fine any offenders and/or penalize the team for each offender. 5 yards for each offender x # of offenders x # of plays they participated in would get the message across pretty quick.

[eRay]

i have often thought about this idea myself. I know people (here especially) would be against the long sleeve idea, but I can't help but like it. When I see this...

i think it looks great, and could be the future of the sport. i am not being sarcastic here at all, i just think that kind of thing looks good.

p.s. I am also the kind of guy that liked this look...

[slapshot]

Wouldn't the padding rip the sleeves? No matter how tight you make them, they'll have to be very stretchy coming over the top of the pads to still make them tight around the arms.

It's one thing to have a loose-fitting jersey that can fit over the pads and cover the arms. A compression jersey would be a different story.

[whitedawg22]

Wouldn't the padding rip the sleeves? No matter how tight you make them, they'll have to be very stretchy coming over the top of the pads to still make them tight around the arms.

It's one thing to have a loose-fitting jersey that can fit over the pads and cover the arms. A compression jersey would be a different story.

I think (but I'm not sure) that he's suggesting that the mandated long sleeves be of the style that Billy Volek is wearing in the picture, and fit under the pads. I don't think a single-piece long sleeve jersey that goes over the pads could end up being as slick and tight as Under Armor on the arms.

As much as I think disappearing sleeves are a problem in the NFL, I'm not sure that making long sleeves mandatory is a solution. The NFL already polices enough stuff about uniforms in the NFL. Not only that, but I like seeing variations in how uniforms are worn, like socks in college football. The only idea I would put forth is some kind of rule where if players wear long sleeves, they must be standardized team sleeves and fit into the uniform.

[gueman]

I think you are on to some thing. Perhaps the fabric being used by RBK for its NHL jerseys would work. To take it to the next level. Imagine a 1 piece unitard. Like what a down hill skier uses. Could make for some wild concepts.

[oddball]

As far as the disappearing sleaves, I hate it. I just wish the NFL would get some gumption and start doing what needs to be done. As minimal of an issue as Hovan's lack of sleeves are it's part of what's ruining this country (no not Hovan's sleeves! ), the lack of people being in charge being able to make a decision that should be made and needs to be made. The solution to the Hovan problem is simple, as soon as he walks on to the field of play, he's ejected fined a game check. If that doesn't work the first time the fine doubles the next time. I hate the ability that everyone feels if it isn't their way they need to bring a law suit. We all know the union would bring a law suit against this, yet they look the other way when 9 Bengals are arrested. As far as the idea of under armour over the jersey, my first thought was the Reebok Edge hockey jersey. I'd have no problems with that, and hey, it'd give us designers a whole new thing to play with!

[Chazberg]

I've often thought of this idea as well, I think it would look awesome and harken back to the butkus era. Plus we wouldn't have to look at anymore fat linemans' armpits....

[FiddySicks]

Yeah, im basically talking about redesigning the jerseys to be Under Armour style jerseys that are designed to better fit over the pad. I guess the only thing I can compare it to is this. Theres an animated picture that I just cant find that depicts it a little better, bt you get the idea.

Now it sounds kinda nuts, but I think if theres such a complaint this may be the only way to do it.

[Alphabet Man]

I think it could work, maybe have the shoulder pads built into it so that a player just wears essentially one shirt and and pants not several layers with pads etc.

[wman]

Let's just convert to Aussie rules singlets or whatever they call them and be done with it.

[Alphabet Man]

Guernseys we call them. It wouldn't look to bad.

Let's waste time...... chase ing cars

[Fyrwulf]

The "disappearing sleeves", as it's being dubbed, are just rolled in sleeves so that opposing players can't grab a hold of them.

Oh, and I'd like to shoot down the Under Armor idea. That stuff stinks to high heaven after it's absorbed sweat and dried, plus it's just not a very tough material.

[Spearhead]

[bgbry44]

I honestly don't even think its that big of a deal. Either way, if the league wanted to fine them it wouldn't bother me the least. But someone suggested a 5 yd penalty, but that would be dumb. If the league doesn't like it, then fine 'em. They don't seem to care and I really don't either.

[rmered]

Wouldn't be able to use shoulder pads under our guernseys.

But that might be a good thing.

[WJMorris3]

Why not just use the ol' exclusion rule? Those who aren't wearing their jerseys properly are tossed from the game until they get their uniform problems fixed (minimum one play).

[Gothamite]

Why not just use the ol' exclusion rule? Those who aren't wearing their jerseys properly are tossed from the game until they get their uniform problems fixed (minimum one play).

Sounds perfect to me.

[powersurge]

ahhhh you beat me to it!

They should wear long sleeves, especially towards the winter months. That would solve the problem IMO, and also make for a more classic look.

[Discrim]

Wouldn't be able to use shoulder pads under our guernseys.

But that might be a good thing.

heh, seein as ya don't need pads in footy (different tackling rules, in case anyone was wondering), it's probably better for everyone involved. heh, we been tackling below the knees for over 100 years now, and I don't think I'd ever see that rule changed in my lifetime (there are several I'd want to change, none of em having to do with tackling and all of which would take too long for me to bitch about here )

In a somewhat perverse way, I'd love to see if rugby would ever consider allowing tackling below the knees, as the folks makin the rules here decided to do back then...maybe they'd finally realize why we wear "all that armour," but I digress.