WASHINGTON – A proposed rule change by the NFL that would bar those carrying the ball from initiating contact with the crown of the helmet is drawing fire from a former league superstar.
CBS DFW reports that former Dallas Cowboy Emmitt Smith told Dallas radio station The Fan that the rule “sounds like it’s been made up by people who have never played the game of football.”
“As a running back, it’s almost impossible (to not lower your head),” Smith said. “The first thing you do is get behind your shoulder pads. And what that means is you’re leaning forward … the first part of contact that’s going to take place is going to be your head, regardless.”
The proposed change is expected to be presented to NFL owners next week.
What do you think of the proposed rule? Is it needed for safety, or does it go too far? Leave a comment in this story, weigh in on WTOP’s Facebook page or tweet to us using #WTOP.
