Mark Kelso was often called, "Gazoo," because of the odd helmet he wore as a Bills player.
"He was well known for wearing a "pro cap" on his helmet which was used to reduce the risk of concussions."
Steve Wallace also sported the same kind of, "pro cap," helmet.
"Throughout his career, Wallace endured many concussions, and was known for wearing a styrofoam and rubber 1/2" cushioned helmet atop his normal helmet to reduce the impact."
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steve_W...ican_football)
Would Damon James be alive today if he was wearing a styrofoam and rubber half inch cushioned, "Pro Cap," atop his normal playing helmet?
Damon Janes, a 16-year-old junior running back for the Brocton (N.Y.) High School varsity football team, died Monday as a result of injuries suffered from a helmet-to-helmet hit on Friday night.
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I understand how NFL helmets are currently much better than they used to be. But why not add a, "Pro Cap," on top of what the NFL says is the best equipment available? I hate to say it, but I think the NFL could very well be risking players safety for aesthetic, TV purposes.
Does it all boil down to how the player looks? Yes, Mark Kelso's helmet stood out like a boner on the field, but if every player has the same helmet then nobody would look like they're wearing a giant circumcised penis on top of their head.
If every player was wearing the Pro Cap on top of their current NFL crown, I would not be surprised if head injuries dropped dramatically.
The Pro Cap helmet would also serve as a constant visual reminder to every player on the field - no helmet to helmet contact, that's why they're wearing, "the cap."
The NFL is probably very reluctant to impose such a mandatory, "cap," rule for legal reasons but they did just settle a giant lawsuit that had a lot to do with head injuries so hopefully that means they can now move forward.
The NFL needs to make a big statement, and the timing is right. The NFL needs to lead the game by setting the example.
Set the example for the future of football by imposing the, "Damon Janes Rule," mandating every NFL player wear a Pro Cap.
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