Marshall Faulk and the proposed running back rule
The NFL's continued efforts to make the game safer for all players may finally have crossed the line between conservative and ridiculous. As you may be aware, most players are already upset with some of the sensitive rules that have been established to protect specifically specialty player like quarterbacks, running backs, and wide receivers.
Well, the NFL's Competition Committee is now proposing a rule change that would affect all dynamics of the game. According to the proposition, it would be a personal foul for a running back to lower his head when anticipating a hit (see the image above of Trent Richardson). By making this running style illegal, supporters are hoping that leading with the shoulder would become the more effective way of running.
The proposal has been met with extreme criticism, even catching the attention of former NFL greats. Legendary running back Marshall Faulk went off on NFL Network about how ludicrous the rule sounded:
“This is a joke,” Faulk said on NFL Network. “If you’re a ball carrier and you’re trying to protect yourself, you’re going to duck. . . . I understand they want safety and I’m all for safety within the game. But it can’t just be some old guys in the room who didn’t carry a football making rules that are really going to affect how this game is being played. I just don’t understand.”
Truly furious, Faulk then went on to say that the NFL might as well eliminate the helmet requirement while they were at it:
“Take the helmets off. Let’s be honest, if you think the helmet is a weapon, take it off. Because I know the helmet on my head is not being used to head butt anyone, it’s being used to protect myself,” Faulk said.
With voting expected to take place within the next couple days, fans will eagerly await the final decision. 24 of 32 voted must be for the change in order to have it take place. Obviously this is all happening in the name of player safety, but maybe this is just a step to far.
Anthony Aidonidis
@aidonidis18
