The NFL has to change their equipment. It simply cannot stand up to the strength and speed of the modern player. If it inhibits movement or weighs more, make it mandatory for all players to even the playing field.
Having played football for about eight years I can tell you unequivocally that players play through concussions, neck injuries, and the like. It is absolutely the case that guys at the NCAA and pro level do as well. In fact it is encouraged as part of the macho tradition of the sport.
[video=youtube;-IQEu4VvDHg]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-IQEu4VvDHg&feature=related[/video] [video=youtube;POz7lEzEWmE]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=POz7lEzEWmE[/video]
It's the equipment that is causing players to play recklessly. They think that since they have a helmet and pads that they can use it as a weapon. I guarantee if there weren't helmets and shoulder pads that there wouldn't be nearly as many head injuries. They'd never get rid of the pads because we wouldn't want it to become rugby. Sadly, I'm sure all NFL players have some kind of brain damage. That's one reason why I side with the players when it comes to guaranteed money. Their shelf life is usually limited. Not only career wise, but their lifespan as well.
Am I way off in thinking that Chris Henry probably had just as many hits in pee-wee league and high school than in college and pros? I get the equipment thing, but let's not stop it at the NCAA level
There's no doubt. I started playing padded football in 5th grade. I know I had at least 1 concussion back then. It's not just the helmet to helmet contact, but banging your head on the ground really makes your head ring.
