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.”
The proposed rule change for running backs might be the most absurd suggestion of a rule change I've ever heard of.
— Matt Forte (@MattForte22) March 17, 2013
In order to lower ur shoulder u obviously have to lower ur head. It's a way of protecting ur self from a tackler and a way to break tackles — Matt Forte (@MattForte22) March 17, 2013
U can't change the instinctive nature of running the football.
— Matt Forte (@MattForte22) March 17, 2013
Forte isn’t the only one, as both present and former players have voiced strong opposition to the potential rule change.
I don't understand #nfl anymore. If RB can't lower head what do they do, take on tackler with chest? profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2013/03/14/nfl…#c'monman — Marco Rubio (@marcorubio) March 15, 2013
"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."