Why the NFL's new helmet rule could do more harm than good

Critics say a change could leave players vulnerable to other injuries

Is the NFL going soft?
(Image credit: REUTERS/Jim Young)

The NFL on Wednesday approved a couple of new rules for the 2013 season, including one that will penalize players who initiate contact with the crown of their helmets.

It's the latest effort by the NFL to address player safety in response to a backlash over the league's handling of concussions and other head trauma. Yet despite the good intentions, players both past and present have criticized the move for watering down the game and potentially leaving running backs vulnerable to other serious injuries.

Subscribe to The Week

Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

SUBSCRIBE & SAVE
https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/flexiimages/jacafc5zvs1692883516.jpg

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

Sign up
To continue reading this article...
Continue reading this article and get limited website access each month.
Get unlimited website access, exclusive newsletters plus much more.
Cancel or pause at any time.
Already a subscriber to The Week?
Not sure which email you used for your subscription? Contact us
Jon Terbush

Jon Terbush is an associate editor at TheWeek.com covering politics, sports, and other things he finds interesting. He has previously written for Talking Points Memo, Raw Story, and Business Insider.