Helmet Rule ‘Absurd’ Says Matt Forte of NFL Penalizing Running Back For Lowering Their Head

A helmet rule proposed by the NFL competition committee says to make it illegal for a runner to lower his shoulders, and lead with the crown of his helmet when attacking a defender outside the tackle box.

Chicago Bears running back Matt Forte went on this Twitter account to address the matter and called the proposed rule change “absurd.”

Forte isn’t the only one, as both present and former players have voiced strong opposition to the potential rule change.

"If I'm a running back and I'm running into a linebacker, you're telling me I have to keep my head up so he can take my chin off? You've absolutely lost your mind," Emmitt Smith, the NFL's all-time leading rusher, told Dallas radio's 105.3 The Fan during a recent appearance.

“I disagree with the rule altogether," Smith continued. "It doesn't make any sense for that position. It sounds like it's been made up by people who have never played the game of football."

This helmet rule was mentioned during meetings that are currently under way in Arizona with league officials.

NFL competition committee chairman Rich McKay said, “This is pure and simple a player safety rule. The time has come we need to address the situation. You can't duck your head and deliver a forcible blow with your helmet.

"We're looking for the obvious fouls on this one. We realize this is a major change for players and coaches."