Is It Time to Retire the Football Helmet?

[Gothamite]

You raise a good point, but I think a rate of early dementia that's at least six times the national average is indeed worth tweaking the game over.

[andrewharrington]

I love the idea of going back to rugby-style gear. It would force the players to play the game smarter. It would deter them from using their equipment as a crutch to do their jobs. Tackling would require a little muscle in the wrap up instead of a quick dive into the knee. I think we'd also get a bit more offense as I think breaking tackles might be easier, especially with the caliber of athlete we have today. You'd see more Jim Brown-esque long, bulldozing runs with many broken tackles. All of which are good things, in my opinion.

The one drawback I see, though, is what happens when a large player falls square on your head and cracks your cranium? I've been on the receiving end of someone's body falling square on my head while making a tackle in a Thanksgiving day Turkey Bowl and it might have been the scariest feeling I've ever experienced, even though there was no injury.

Could get pretty gruesome, but I suppose you don't hear a lot about those kinds of injuries so they must not be happening with any sort of frequency, so maybe it would work after all.

[Gothamite]

I think there would have to be a middle ground between the scrum cap and modern helmets. Something like the 1950s and 1060s helmets, strong enough to protect a player's head against catastrophic injury but not so strong that he'll be able to avoid feeling the hits, which would hopefully encourage players to avoid them in the first place.

[Gothamite]

Bumping this topic to add some of the recent news.

First of all, it has been revealed that Chris Henry, the Bengals receiver who was killed after falling off a moving pickup during a domestic dispute, had CTE. This is big news not only as another example, but because he wasn't a lineman, didn't take those repeated hits during a game. If a WR was showing this level of brain damage, the problem could be much worse than suspected.

Second, the NFL has been trying to put the happiest spin possible on the state of helmets in its sport.

The results of an independent study commissioned by the NFL and the players' union show modern helmets meet all national safety standards, though it stressed that no helmet can prevent concussions and more studies are necessary.

>snip<

The study, which began last year, involved two independent labs that tested each of the 16 commercially available helmets for impacts similar to what would be felt by an NFL player in the open field. Eight locations on each helmet were tested using four speeds of impact, based on an analysis of game film and computer models in an attempt to replicate actual hits.

The raw data was examined by two independent biomechanical engineers and a statistician and reviewed by the NFL's new Head, Neck and Spine Committee and doctors from the players' union.

The results showed that all 16 helmets met or exceeded national standards to protect players against traumatic head injuries, and none performed worse than a reference group of helmets from the 1990s. Three of the modern helmets -- the Riddell Revolution, the Revolution Speed and the Schutt DNA Pro -- were singled out as the top-performing helmets.

The NFL's study, however, seems to be far from the last word on the subject.

Beyond the limitations it acknowledged, the news release (accompanying the study) did not mention that Riddell is the league?s official helmet manufacturer, that its top-performing Revolution model was designed with extra earhole padding specifically to perform well on this unique test, and that the testing mechanism recreated forces derived from data on only 25 of 787 concussions sustained by N.F.L. players from 1996 to 2001, many of which came on tackles the league has since ruled illegal.

Oops.

[tBBP]

Not that this hasn't already been said up in here, but it bears mentioning once more: if today's players would quit using their heads and helmets as spears, this wouldn't be so much of an issue.

Basic fundamentals...gotta get back to the basics.

[Gothamite]

True enough, but it remains my contention that current safety equipment makes that worse, encouraging players to use their heads as projectiles.

Reduce or elimate all the padding and plastic armor, and you may start to see this type of brain damage reduced.

[tBBP]

Eggzackly.

I think this all started with that one doctor guy up in New England somewhere who had a hand in designing some newfangled helmet that was supposed to reduce the risk of concussions and whatnot. That said, I think the NFL is tackling this issue (please excuse the pun) completely backwards. Instead of looking at new helmets, they need to be reinforcing proper tackling techniques, which don't involve using heads and helmets as projectiles. The next little town hall meeting they have should really address that.

[HedleyLamarr]

Bumping this topic to add some of the recent news.

First of all, it has been revealed that Chris Henry, the Bengals receiver who was killed after falling off a moving pickup during a domestic dispute, had CTE. This is big news not only as another example, but because he wasn't a lineman, didn't take those repeated hits during a game. If a WR was showing this level of brain damage, the problem could be much worse than suspected.

I don't know the exact stats, but I'm willing to wager that the percentage of linemen (in non-kicking situations, that is) that have suffered concussions is significantly lower than that of QB's, RB's, WR's, and players that have gotten injured in special teams situations, due to the fact that the skill position players are usually involved in fast-pursuit, high-speed, harder-collision situations.

[IceCap]

True enough, but it remains my contention that current safety equipment makes that worse, encouraging players to use their heads as projectiles.

Reduce or elimate all the padding and plastic armor, and you may start to see this type of brain damage reduced.

I agree with all of this.

The problem is that as soon as the NFL did away with helmets they would have to deal with one hell of a public backlash.

[The_Admiral]

Bumping this topic to add some of the recent news.

First of all, it has been revealed that Chris Henry, the Bengals receiver who was killed after falling off a moving pickup during a domestic dispute, had CTE. This is big news not only as another example, but because he wasn't a lineman, didn't take those repeated hits during a game. If a WR was showing this level of brain damage, the problem could be much worse than suspected.

I don't know the exact stats, but I'm willing to wager that the percentage of linemen (in non-kicking situations, that is) that have suffered concussions is significantly lower than that of QB's, RB's, WR's, and players that have gotten injured in special teams situations, due to the fact that the skill position players are usually involved in fast-pursuit, high-speed, harder-collision situations.

Yeah, but all the repeated collisions that take place on the line add up. Concussions =/= CTE.

[GO2HELL]

the NFL without helmets? great, we could see a league full of kurt angles. "did you win the superbowl ...WITH A BROKEN FREAKIN NECK?!?!?

[Gothamite]

Nonsense. Reduce the padding players wear, scale back the helmet to the equivalent of a firm scrum cap, and you'll see less injuries over time. Once players realize that they can't use their heads as battering rams any more.

From the New York Times: the NFL climate-deniers, which had previously tried to pretend that CTE wasn't a problem, have announced that they're posting this in all locker rooms starting this season and giving a copy to each player:

Still misguided (this isn't just about concussions, but simple collisions), but a step in the right direction.

[AJM]

The game doesn't need to eliminate helmets, or further drastically change the way players make contact...The game needs better equipment!

Here are some articles I have found while doing research. Take a peek.

http://www.wired.com/playbook/2010/08/better-football-helmet/#more-1329

http://www.michaelprincip.com/Bulwark.html

[Jigga]

The equipment has consistently evolved over time. What hasn't evolved is the mindset of the guys playing and coaching. Gothamite is right, the problem ain't with the pads, but with the people wearing the pads treating themselves as though they are laser guided projectiles.

[Gothamite]

I'm afraid both of those articles miss the point.

It's not about concussions. This can't be repeated often enough. It's about repeated smaller blows to the head. Unless the helmet prevents a player's brain from smashing into his skull, it won't fully address CTE.

It's not enough to just improve equipment. Players have to learn to avoid collisions. That means changing the whole culture, beginning with the rule book.

[tommytimp]

And rugby has always struck me as being the ultimate bourgeois sport. Perfect for those who have too much money and time and are not afraid to let you hear about it. Sadly I and many others do not fall into that category.

It's like a douchier lacrosse.

Nothing is douchier than lacrosse.

[BBTV]

Ex Eagle and Patriot fullback Kevin Turner diagnosed with ALS, and may not have much time left to live.

Turner is the 14th former NFL player to be diagnosed with ALS since 1960, a rate eight times higher than the rest of the adult male population.

Turner became addicted to pain killers and battled with depression and fits of rage after his playing days were over.

I remember when he was here, the jokes about how many concussions he probably suffered due to his blocking style. IIRC, he eventually retired because of a neck injury and constant headaches. His head just couldn't take it anymore.

http://www.philly.co.../101224544.html

http://www.boston.co...osis/?page=full

[rainmaker17]

And rugby has always struck me as being the ultimate bourgeois sport. Perfect for those who have too much money and time and are not afraid to let you hear about it. Sadly I and many others do not fall into that category.

It's like a douchier lacrosse.

Nothing is douchier than lacrosse.

They're both douchy, but nothing touches Austin Texas rugby a*sholes. They'll try to fight every guy in the bar when it's their "night" to sing sea shanty bullcr*p, bully the bartenders and try to bang your girlfriend. It's a group mentality thing with these guys. Find one alone, and you can stare him down. Find him with his buddies after a big match, you might as well leave. It's just not worth it.

[bterreson]

This is a step in the right direction: http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d81b6d381/article/league-could-suspend-players-for-helmettohelmet-hits?module=HP_headlines

Ray Anderson, the NFL's executive vice president of football operations, said Monday that harsher fines and possibly suspensions for helmet-to-helmet hits could be coming immediately, even for first-time offenders.

Anderson is involved with all levels of on-field discipline. After watching several Week 6 hits that he termed "egregious," "flagrant," and "really disturbing," Anderson said the league "will be more proactive" in dealing with any cases of potential head and neck trauma.

"It could happen immediately," Anderson said of the initiative after several players suffered apparent concussions Sunday. "The level of discipline on those types of hits is going to be much more aggressive ... and that could include a suspension even for a first-time offender."

Anderson said the degree to which players have been willing to lead with their heads and flaunt rules has caught the league's attention, and he pointed to comments made by former Indianapolis Colts coach Tony Dungy and former NFL safety Rodney Harrison. The pair, now football analysts for NBC, both espoused suspensions for such hits, and Harrison, who was fined more than $200,000 during his career, said the punishment "didn't get my attention."

"Fines aren't getting it done," Anderson said. "Suspensions will get their attention."

Anderson told The Associated Press that NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell will have the final say on any changes. League officials will consult with the NFL Players Association, too, but Anderson said he doesn't expect any opposition.

"Obviously, suspensions would be a much bigger deal than fining guys," Indianapolis Colts center Jeff Saturday, the team's player representative, told The AP. "But if guys are headhunting out there to knock a guy out of the game, that's the only way to take care of it."

Anderson said the league will continue to be severe in its handling of repeat offenders, saying there "will be even more elevated" discipline for those players. He spoke of "needing to change the culture when it comes to head and neck injuries like these," and termed the repercussions of such hits as "potentially life-threatening."

Anderson said he believes the consequences of such hits -- sometimes a player bounces back from a head-to-head hit and gets right to his feet; sometimes the struck player is rushed to the hospital -- shouldn't factor in the punishment. Players "should not get a break" if a hit that was potentially crippling ends up "not being as catastrophic."

Atlanta Falcons cornerback Dunta Robinson, New York Giants defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul, New England Patriots safety Brandon Meriweather and Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker James Harrison were among those players who delivered helmet-to-helmet hits Sunday and caused head injuries to opponents.

Ravens tight end Todd Heap took a vicious hit from Meriweather, then called it "one of those hits that shouldn't happen." The team was in contact with the league about the tackle.

"The thing we try to coach our players to do is basically hit in the strike zone, Ravens coach John Harbaugh said, according to The AP. "Try to make an effort to do that and keep your head out of it. It's not just the safety of your opponent, it's safety for yourself. When you throw your head in there like that, you put yourself at risk. It's just not good football."

Harrison sidelined two Browns players with head injuries after jarring hits. An NFL spokesman said one of the tackles, on Joshua Cribbs, was legal. The Browns were more upset about Harrison's hit on Mohamed Massaquoi, which the league is reviewing.

"The one against Mohamed was illegal," Browns tight end Benjamin Watson said, according to The AP. "I can't judge his character, I can judge his conduct. It was an illegal hit. He led with his head, he hit Mo right in the head, he dove at his head. Whether he meant to hurt him or not, I can't comment on that. It was illegal, and the league should take care of him with the max, whatever it is."

Harrison defended those hits after the game and said "if I get fined for that, it's going to be a travesty."

Eagles coach Andy Reid saw his wide receiver, DeSean Jackson, collide with Robinson, with both players sustaining concussions.

"That was a tough one there from both sides," Reid said, according to The AP. "The league has put a lot of emphasis on removing the helmet out of the contact point, in particular around the chin or neck area. But some of these are bang-bang. That was a bang-bang deal right there. That wasn't something this kid had planned. He wasn't going to go in there and knock himself out. That's not what he was trying to do here.

"But in a case like that, the more the head is out of the picture, in particular out of the neck area, that's something the league is striving to work on."

New York Jets safety Jim Leonhard was flagged 15 yards for a helmet-to-helmet hit on Broncos wide receiver Brandon Lloyd in a 24-20 victory in Denver. Broncos coach Josh McDaniels called it an example of how hits often look vicious on television but aren't really what they appear.

There's no need to fret about missing any games. You can watch every contest again with Game Rewind. Get more information here.

"I don't think there's anybody that's out there coaching helmet-to-helmet hits," McDaniels told The AP. "I sure know we're not and I don't believe in my heart that there's anybody out there trying to hurt other players. I think a lot is made of we should punish, we should punish, we should punish. And (I say) tell the player what to do differently in some of those situations.

"Because I think there's certain ones you can see and say, 'That was probably avoidable."'

However, Dolphins safety Yeremiah Bell wonders if the NFL is becoming "too strict" about tackles involving the helmet.

"As a defensive player, you have to think about how you hit somebody now, which is totally ridiculous to me," Bell said, according to The AP. "You're trying to get a guy down. Sometimes you get caught leading with your helmet. When you're going to tackle a guy full speed, you can't really think, 'Oh, I have to hit this guy a certain way.' You have to get him down as best you can. Sometimes it's helmet to helmet, which guys aren't trying to do, but that's just the way it is. It's part of the game."

It's also a part of the game the league has outlawed. As far back as 2007, NFL officials were told to eject players for such flagrant fouls, but that punishment has been rare.

"If it is not getting the message out, I don't know how to do it," Dr. Hunt Batjer, co-chairman for the NFL's Brain, Head and Neck Medical Committee, told The AP about the league's emphasis on eliminating helmet hits. "It has been broadcast at every level not to lead with your head. In the heat of battle, things are going to happen. But they just have to be a minimum."

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

[Saintsfan]

I agree that enforcing good tackling and punishing bad tackling is a big step forward. I think that the short termism in the NFL is such that there is no incentive for players and coaches to care if an opponent is out with a concussion for a few weeks. Perhaps substantial suspensions for dangerous play will encourage players and coaches to think about it a bit more.