NFL Gear

How can we improve NFL safety? by Anthony Fields

Buffalo Bills player Damar Hamlin went into cardiac arrest during a game after a severe tackle. As a result, what has been done to improve NFL safety has become a hot topic.

Idris Collins, junior, said, “When I think of the word safety, I think of the care and protection one may have.” For example, guardian caps are helmets with a soft shell padding on the outside of the helmet. They provide an extra layer of protection during practice and reduce head impact by twenty percent, according to the NFL’s official website. Rami Kamel, junior, said, “I think the NFL could change their helmets to be more protective because there have been a lot of concussions this season.”

If a player does get a head injury, concussion protocol includes four steps. First, they perform light exercising and can attend team meetings if capable. Second, the person will perform running on a treadmill for twenty minutes under supervision in case anything goes wrong. Third, non contact drills, such as cone drills, are done. The step is reintegration into full participation in practice with any restrictions.

Shoulder pads cover the shoulders and chest along with the rib area and are precisely fitted by measuring the player’s back from one shoulder blade to another with the help of a measuring tape. In the early 2000s, the shoulder pads construction took a leap with the addition of new synthetic fibers. These fibers aid in making the pads lighter and cooler and thus prevent dehydration of the athletes. The modern pads are modified to make them more comfortable and provide better protection along with better ventilation and mobility, according to Rookie Road’s website.

Overall, the NFL has already created a lot of procedures to protect their players. Daniel Evans, athletic trainer, said, “There’s not really much we can change since they are making it as safe as possible. Any more changes would change the game.”