Players are just getting too big

[retro44]

and the un-natural way I suspect.

http://newyork.cbslocal.com/2016/01/29/nfl-concussion-data-nfl-concussions/

 

[RICuse44]

Too big and too fast. Modern day training alone doesn't explain the size and speed of these guys.

 

[cuseguy]

Players didn't use to report stuff years ago, even recently, but they do. So numbers are up.

 

[MadNY3]

and the un-natural way I suspect.

http://newyork.cbslocal.com/2016/01/29/nfl-concussion-data-nfl-concussions/

Also, collecting real data and increasing awareness contribute. And this ain't bad.

 

[OrangeTarheel]

The intent of tackling someone has also changed. No longer content to stop an opposing player a defender has to knock them out of the game. Our own former coach used this sort of language. You can have all the size and speed but not need to play with intent to harm and much of this concussion hoopla could be avoided.

 

[blizz]

The intent of tackling someone has also changed. No longer content to stop an opposing player a defender has to knock them out of the game. Our own former coach used this sort of language. You can have all the size and speed but not need to play with intent to harm and much of this concussion hoopla could be avoided.

In the not so distant past the ball was a severed human head, played on a field nearly a half mile long and contests lasted for days with the losing team sacrificed by having their still-beating heart cut from their chest and head cut off and rolled down seven flights of stairs and caught in a net. I'd say the spirit of the game is fine.

 

[MG44]

Players (people in general) are going to keep getting bigger, stronger, faster. I think they should take away or shrink the pads...we are turning them into protected human battering rams.
Someone on here (sorry I cant remember who) mentioned the lack of injuries in other violent collision sports like rugby. I think they were right...make it hurt when you hit someone. Shrink the shoulder pads, take the helmets away and see how many times a kid wants to lower his head and go head to head with another guy. I bet its not often.
Make it hurt

 

[FAL]

In the not so distant past the ball was a severed human head, played on a field nearly a half mile long and contests lasted for days with the losing team sacrificed by having their still-beating heart cut from their chest and head cut off and rolled down seven flights of stairs and caught in a net. I'd say the spirit of the game is fine.

So that's how Rutgers allegedly claimed they invented football? Interesting...
(Sorry! I know this should be posted in another obvious thread but I just couldn't resist.)

 

[texascpa]

Too big and too fast. Modern day training alone doesn't explain the size and speed of these guys.

Really? Along with nutrition and proper sleep? I'm sorry, while I know there are guys who juice or whatever you want to call it, keep in mind that the body can do amazing things when treated right. Plus, the NFL represents a small fraction of the overall pool of football players. Of course, they are going to be the biggest and fastest.

 

[Finwad32]

I think the rumor behind the widespread use of steroids and hgh at the professional and collegiate level is greatly exaggerated.

 

[Scooch]

I think the rumor behind the widespread use of steroids and hgh at the professional and collegiate level is greatly exaggerated.

I assume that just about every player in "on" *something*, it just depends how white, black or gray the rules are re: what they're "on".

Football players were "on" things when I was in HS in the late 80s. Given the internet I suspect access to things today is a thousand times easier than it once was.

 

[Scooch]

But I agree that concussions are up because of heightened awareness and reporting. That's great.

 

[Finwad32]

I assume that just about every player in "on" *something*, it just depends how white, black or gray the rules are re: what they're "on".

Football players were "on" things when I was in HS in the late 80s. Given the internet I suspect access to things today is a thousand times easier than it once was.

Football players have been "on" something forever... The % of which is greatly exaggerated.

Testing standards are much more stringent now. Supplements and such are much more developed, not everyone needs hgh or steroids.