Using another opportunity to promote player safety, the NFL has proposed a rule change that would penalize a running back if he lowers his head and uses the crown of his helmet to initiate contact with a defender.
That sounds all fine and good, but what a shock, it’s not sitting so well with some players.
Last week, Hall of Fame running back Emmitt Smith was very critical of the proposal, saying that the NFL has “lost [its] mind.”
It didn’t end there as Bears running back Matt Forte took his thoughts to Twitter.
The proposed rule change for running backs might be the most absurd suggestion of a rule change I’ve ever heard of.
— Matt Forte (@MattForte22) March 17, 2013
In order to lower ur shoulder u obviously have to lower ur head. It’s a way of protecting ur self from a tackler and a way to break tackles
— Matt Forte (@MattForte22) March 17, 2013
U can’t change the instinctive nature of running the football. — Matt Forte (@MattForte22) March 17, 2013
Forte brings up some fair points and the criticism has sparked some debate. Giants defensive back Terrell Thomas entrenched himself in the discussion and thinks the running backs should quit complaining.
It’s hilarious seeing all these RB complain about the rule change…welcome to the last 5 years of a defenders life…we’re robot now — Terrell Thomas (@TerrellThomas24) March 18, 2013
We can’t contact a WR after 5 yards but they can contact us as long as it doesn’t create space AFTER 5 yards — Terrell Thomas (@TerrellThomas24) March 18, 2013
A defender can’t blind side a offensive player, but an offensive player can blindside a defensive player as long … tmi.me/OjjGh — Terrell Thomas (@TerrellThomas24) March 18, 2013
Here’s a couple examples of the hits the proposal is trying to outlaw: