Hard to Remember

Last week, there was a lot of controversy regarding helmet to helmet hits in the NFL.  Many opinions were heard that sided with the opinion that the league needed to step in to protect these players from themselves.  There were a few personalities or players who thought that this was much to-do over nothing.

One person was Mark Packer.  He hosts a show in Charlotte called "Primetime with the Packman".  I would characterize the popularity of the program because of one philosophy the producers of the show seem to have.  Anyone can call in with an opinion and Packer will give them their air time without cutting them short.  The comments can be intelligent and well thought out, or they don't have to be.  Packer gives the audience the forum to comment.  He has many issues that he will absolutely not listen to the opposite side on.  One, in particular, seems to be the NFL protecting it's players.  Packer was heard several times over this week referencing the sissification of the league because of the rules.

It's hard to remember, but there was a time when one of the best defensive linemen in the league was Dennis Byrd.  He was so quick and instinctive that it was deadly.  He was supposed to be the next Lawrence Taylor.  It didn't turn out that way.  His life changed when he put his head down and tried to sack David Krieg of the Kansas City Chiefs.  His good friend, Scott Mersereau was coming from the opposite side and hit Byrd on a helmet to chest hit.  Byrd's spinal cord was damaged in the hit and it would take a miracle for him to regain the ability to walk again. 
There was a young up and coming tight end for the Buffalo Bills, named Kevin Everett.  It's hard to remember that kickoff when he was in on the tackle against the Denver Broncos.  Kevin crumpled to the ground while trying to make a hit on the kick returner and it took a miracle for him to walk again.

I suppose Mr. Packer isn't considering these instances when he thinks of how the NFL is losing the toughness from the past.  It's unfortunate that traumatic injuries are necessary for people to see that the good old way, is not necessarily the best way. 

If Dale Sr. had decided that the HANS device wasn't too restrictive, then he would still be alive today.  I suppose Mr. Packer thinks that this was sissifying NASCAR.

Head injuries ended the terrific careers of Steve Young, Troy Aikman, Al Toon, and countless others.  Mr. Packer is fortunate that he will never have to suffer the pain that these individuals may have to endure for the rest of their lives.