Franco Harris Weighs In On Helmet Hits In NFL

[stillers4me]

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) ―
http://llnw.image.cbslocal.com/20/2010/10/20/175x131/francoharris.jpg Click to enlarge 1 of 1
Franco Harris says hitting hard is part of the NFL culture. KDKA

During his 13 years as an NFL running back, Franco Harris (http://kdka.com/steelers/Franco.harris.hitting.2.1971319.html#) took more than his share of hits.

"There are always a lot of dirty guys in this game who will hit you and do all kinds of things," he said.

But Harris says the game has gotten somewhat more dangerous because there's more passing than there used to be so there's more mid-field contact which Harris says is hard to control.

"A lot of times, a receiver and a defensive back, they're up in the air," he said. "And how do you control to know what's going to happen once you get up in the air?"...............



http://kdka.com/steelers/Franco.harris.hitting.2.1971319.html

[Craic]

Hmmm.

Franco, so you are saying that there are more midfield collisions, because there is much more passing? Then could it be the league's fault for driving the passing game, thus speeding the game up and causing this entire issue?

[Vis]

Hmmm.

Franco, so you are saying that there are more midfield collisions, because there is much more passing? Then could it be the league's fault for driving the passing game, thus speeding the game up and causing this entire issue?

Yes but what to do about it. Do we want a bloodsport and just say that they are paid enough to suffer lifetime injuries for the entertainment value?

[CPanther95]

You enforce the rules already in place to protect the players. You don't keep the same rules and start fining for legal hits that are subjectively "devastating".

[Vis]

You enforce the rules already in place to protect the players. You don't keep the same rules and start fining for legal hits that are subjectively "devastating".

over 150 concussions a year in football. Concussions are brain injuries. How do you limit them? Yes the league is fumbling around on this but they should be trying something.

[GBMelBlount]

If they are going to do this they should have a large panel, like 12 people perhaps (some of whom are hopefully not self absorbed ass holes brimming with self importance) and require it be unanimous.

Or, if they are TRULY serious, reengineer the helmets with additional padding on the outside.

[Vis]

If they are going to do this they should have a large panel, like 12 people perhaps (some of whom are hopefully not self absorbed ass holes brimming with self importance) and require it be unanimous.

Or, if they are TRULY serious, reengineer the helmets with additional padding on the outside.

I am sure the helmet companies are working on better ones just to outsell their rivals.

[GBMelBlount]

I am sure the helmet companies are working on better ones just to outsell their rivals.

Ah yes, good ol free market competition...

Imagine if the government ran the "football helmet industry".

....We'd still have those helmets from 1800's and they'd cost more than the ones used today. :chuckle:

[Vis]

Ah yes, good ol free market competition...

Imagine if the government ran the "football helmet industry".

....We'd still have those helmets from 1800's and they'd cost more than the ones used today. :chuckle:

The leather ones can't be used as a weapon.

[GBMelBlount]

The leather ones can't be used as a weapon.



Yep, the helmets are definitely the problem. We should go back to the leather ones. They were much safer....grin.

...and let's face it, leather is much more stylish! :chuckle:

[Vis]

Yep, the helmets are definitely the problem. We should go back to the leather ones. They were much safer....grin.

...and let's face it, leather is much more stylish! *wink*

Kills the shiny logos tho

[ALLD]

The commissioner should resign for embarassing the NFL.

*In a related story, boxing's sanctioning bodies, the IBF, WBC, and WBO announced they will enforce rules similar to the NFL and fine and/or suspend anybody who hits a defenseless fighter.