The NFL made thigh and knee pads mandatory equipment for the 2013 season, something the players' union was not pleased with. Atlanta Falcons president Rich McKay, chairman of the competition committee, said Tuesday at an owners meeting that because this is a playing rule, the league can apply it unilaterally. "We have a vote of the membership and can implement," McKay said. "Some of us felt we were remiss that we took it out of the rule book -- high school and college makes it mandatory -- and in our mind that is how it should be and will be in 2013. Read more: http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/7959313/nfl-says-players-wear-thigh-knee-pads-2013
