Nfl Helmets
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US $39.99
The Nfl’S Biggest Headache-Concussions
If Brian Westbrook’s vision isn’t too fuzzy, and the fog engulfing his consciousness not too dense, the concussed Eagles running back might want to thank Joseph Mason Reeves.
Reeves too was a football player, a genus of athlete noteworthy for its tendency to be both headstrong and head-weak. His teammates called him “Bull”, though frequently he was too dazed to hear them.
An undersized tackle on Navy’s 1893 team, Reeves’ unpleasant duty was to plow headfirst into the flying wedges opposing offenses ran with a deadly – literally, on occasion -- efficiency.
In retrospect, “headfirst” was probably an unwise strategy, considering that football heads like Reeves’ were not yet helmeted. In what was the sport’s infancy, players actually believed they could protect their heads simply by growing their hair long.
Few got haircuts in-season. Many got concussions.
Reeves, who like Ronald Reagan was born in Tampico, IL, must have had thin hair. He was knocked out so frequently that late in that 1893 season a Naval Academy physician warned him the next could result in death or “instant insanity.”
While deaths weren’t uncommon in a football era so brutally violent the sport would nearly kill itself, insanity was something else. The prospect of a nutty Naval officer at the helm of an American battleship, the first of which was then under construction at U.S. navy yards, was not something the academy superintendent could condone.
So even though the fourth annual meeting with Army was next on Navy’s schedule, Capt. Robert L. Phythian summoned the 21-year-old to his office. “Reeves, my good man,” he told the senior, “I cannot in good conscience allow you to play in the upcoming game with Army.”
But Bull Reeves, who though he failed to recognize the peril of persistent head injuries did foresee the value of aircraft carriers, possessed the resourcefulness of a future officer. The future admiral sought out an Annapolis cobbler and asked him to create a head-protector out of moleskin.
The result looked like something Attila the Hun might have worn to a pillaging party – as conical as it was comical. Even so, the odd-looking device satisfied Phythian. Reeves starred in a 6-4 Navy victory and the football helmet, though it wouldn’t become mandatory for nearly a half-century, was born.
In the decades since Reeves preserved his playing status and presumably his sanity, helmets have undergone constant and considerable changes. Physicians, trainers, engineers, pilots and coaches all have tried to perfect them. Straps were added, then padding. In the late 1940s, the switch began from leather to molded plastic. Facemasks were soon incorporated and later air-cushioning devices.
Today’s state-of-the-art helmets are as shiny, sleek and handsome as sports cars. They cost hundreds of dollars apiece. They are effective marketing devices, with tens of thousands sold annually not just to teams, but to collectors and obsessive fans as well.
And yet, as is illustrated by the problems Philadelphia’s Westbrook, Washington’s Clinton Portis and at least a dozen other players have endured this season, head injuries continue to be a major headache for the NFL.
By the league’s own estimate, there are 120 to 130 concussions a season – a number a recent Associated Press survey suggests may be vastly underreported. “Guys today are a lot bigger, a lot faster than they used to be,” said Sam Huff, the Redskins broadcaster and former linebacker. “The game is violent and it’s always going to be.”
That rationale doesn’t help much in a hyper-litigious era. So Commissioner Roger Goodell ruled recently that no player suffering a concussion will be permitted to return to action. Players are also under increasing pressure to sit out the game after their injury.
"Once removed for the duration of a practice or game,” Goodell’s memo reads, “the player should not be considered for return-to-football activities until he is fully asymptotic, both at rest and after exertion, has a normal neurological examination, normal neuropsychological testing, and has been cleared to return by both his team physician(s) and the independent neurological consultant."
The conundrum football faces in this health-conscious age cuts to the very nature of the sport: How do you remove violent impacts from a sport of violent impacts? With better helmets? Tougher penalties? Stricter medical policies?
So far, none of those options has done much to quell the epidemic. Baseball, if it wanted to, could merely legislate away its most violent aspect, beanballs. Basketball has been successful policing stray elbows and in-the-lane muggings.
Hockey is probably closest to football among the four major sports in its proclivity for head-jarring hits, but on the ice they don’t take place nearly as regularly.
All that the NFL knows at this early stage of what is becoming, for the league anyway, an increasingly unpleasant topic, is that something must be done.
In addition to Goodell’s new edict, a Player Advisory Forum, headed by Tony Dungy, was formed. Its purpose is to get input on hot-button issues from players around the league and feed it to Commissioner Roger Goodell. It already has asked helmet manufacturers to come up with a safer design. What happens after that is anyone’s guess. "Players continue to be an invaluable resource in providing direction and insight into a wide range of programs and policies," the commissioner said in the release announcing the formation of the committee. "Tony's experience and expertise in working with players makes him an ideal leader.”
The committee almost certainly will discover what a recent survey by the University of Michigan’s Institute of Social Research found. That study revealed that 6.1 percent of the players responding were suffering from Alzheimer’s disease, dementia or some other memory disorder. That’s five times the national average for men their age.
The numbers were even worse for younger NFL alumni. Those between 30 and 49 reported suffering from those infirmities at a rate 19 times the American average.
A subsequent Associated Press survey of 160 current NFL players revealed that half had suffered serious head injuries – and that many had hidden that fact from their teams.
Much of the blame, of course, can be attributed to the peculiar physics of football. Large, physically gifted linebackers and defensive backs hurl themselves like missiles at each other. Helmets, designed to protect, often become dangerous projectiles as players ram them into backs, pelvises and occasionally other heads.
Less noticeable, but equally insidious, even-larger linemen regularly butt heads in the steel-cage battles of the pits.
And running backs and receivers diving for extra yards frequently get kneed in the head – as Westbrook did – by onrushing defenders. Not surprisingly, these repetitive convulsive acts can have a dangerous cumulative effect.
According to a recent New Yorker magazine article, researchers believe the majority of these stricken former players have a neurological disorder called CTE (Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy), the result of repeated brain trauma.
Autopsies uncovered various degrees of CTE, the magazine said, in the brains of Steelers Hall of Fame center Mike Webster, who was a homeless recluse when he died; Andre Waters, the hard-hitting Eagles safety who, severely depressed, killed himself with a bullet to the head, and Justin Strzelczyk, the one time Steelers lineman who died when he drove his car the wrong way on a freeway and slammed into a truck at 90 mph.
If football players retired after their first serious head injury, experts contend they’d likely experience fewer problems later in life. But, unfortunately, there wouldn’t be many players left to form a league.
Virtually every NFL player, at some point in his career, has been knocked unconscious during a game or practice. Far too many don’t reveal the depth of their problem because they fear losing their position. Dungy, for example, told a radio interviewer that he had done exactly that. And after Westbrook suffered a concussion earlier in the season, he sat out two games, returned, and was concussed again.
The New York Times reported that Pittsburgh safety Troy Polamalu had suffered six documented concussions since high school. The total was three for Steelers QB Ben Roethligsberger, who missed a game recently after being knocked out.
How many will end up like former Steelers Webster and Strzelczyk?
“It’s not that you’ve just lost cognitive skills,” Douglas H. Smith, a professor of Neurology at the University of Pennsylvania’s Center for Brian Injury and Repair, told The Philadelphia Inquirer, “but you’ve also increased the chances of having a worse problem later in life.” Right now, the NFL can’t think of a worse problem.
About the Author
Owner Collegiate Living, Sports Buzz, and CK Web Marketing
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NFL Fleece Chicago Bears Blue/Orange Helmets $9.98 Cheer on the Chicago Bears, your favorite NFL team with this NFL fleece! With an anti-pill face this soft, warm and cozy fleece is perfect for throws, stadium blankets, seat cushions, hats, scarves, pillows, vests, pullovers and much more. |
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No Helmets $2.99 No Helmets Vinyl Sticker To Ride Free Is to Be Free! No Helmets |
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NFL Cotton Broadcloth Cincinnati Bengals Helmets Orange/Black $7.98 Cheer on the Cincinnati Bengals your favorite NFL team with this NFL cotton broadcloth fabric. Perfect for use in quilting projects, craft projects and even apparel. |
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NFL Helmet Standings Tracker $26.95 The NFL 32-piece micro helmet set includes 32 NFL team micro helmets (1 1/2-in tall) in official colors and 2 full-color reversible die-cut tracker cards that the helmets fit on to. The regular season standings tracker card separates each conference into 4-team divisions. Flip the tracker cards over to follow the playoffs, from Wild Card Weekend all the way to the Super Bowl. |
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O. J. Simpson, Buffalo Bills Official Riddell Pro Line Autographed Authentic Full Size Throwback NFL Football Helmet $450 These helmets are the authentic helmets worn by the players. These are not Replicas or "look alikes". A Certificate of Authenticity is included with this Autographed NFL O. J. Simpson NFL Buffalo Bills Helmet |
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Helmets $36 This manual is aimed at road safety practitioners who want to implement a helmet use programme, in order to reduce the high number of fatalities and injuries that are associated with increasing use of two-wheelers in many countries. Although primarily intended for low-income and middle-income countries, the manual is applicable to countries that have different levels of helmet use. The book provides practical, step-by-step guidance on the design, implementation and evaluation of a helmet use programme, as well as practical advice on its marketing and publicity. The technical processes described are illustrated using case studies from both developed and developing countries. |
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Tournament: Helmets $19.99 Tournament: Helmets - Giclee Print |
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Bronze Helmets $34.99 Bronze Helmets - Giclee Print |
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Straw Helmets $24.99 Straw Helmets - Photographic Print |
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Police Helmets $24.99 Police Helmets - Photographic Print |
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Safety Helmets $24.99 Safety Helmets - Photographic Print |
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Illuminated Helmets $24.99 Illuminated Helmets - Photographic Print |
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NFL Tampa Bay Buccaneers Plaid Tie by NFL - Black Polyester $15 This official NFL plaid men's necktie features a Tampa Bay Buccaneers theme, complete with the Buccaneers logo in deep red as well as team football helmets. This sporty tie is perfect for any Buccaneers fan! |
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NFL San Francisco 49ers Plaid Tie by NFL - Black Polyester $15 This official NFL plaid men's necktie features a San Francisco 49ers theme, complete with the 49ers logo in deep red as well as team football helmets. This sporty tie is perfect for any 49ers fan! |
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NFL Green Bay Packers Plaid Tie by NFL - Green Polyester $15 This official NFL plaid men's necktie features a Green Bay Packers theme, complete with the Packers logo in green and yellow as well as team football helmets. This sporty tie is perfect for any Packers fan! |
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NFL Oakland Raiders Plaid Tie by NFL - Black Polyester $15 This official NFL plaid men's necktie features a Oakland Raiders theme, complete with the Raiders logo as well as team football helmets. This sporty tie is perfect for any Raiders fan! |
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NFL Atlanta Falcons Plaid Tie by NFL - Black Polyester $15 This official NFL plaid men's necktie features a Atlanta Falcons theme, complete with the Falcons logo in deep red and black as well as team football helmets. This sporty tie is perfect for any Falcons fan! |
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NFL New York Jets Tie by NFL - Multicolor Polyester $15 This official NFL plaid men's necktie features a New York Jets theme, complete with the Jets logo in deep orange as well as team football helmets. This sporty tie is perfect for any Jets fan! |
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NFL Prime Time 98 $70.1 High Quality Content by WIKIPEDIA articles NFL Prime Time 98 was a follow up to Segas only football game for the Sega Saturn, NFL 97. NFL 98 was released for the Sega Genesis in 1997. Like Segas previous two NFL releases (NFL 95 and Prime Time NFL Football), NFL 98 was released exclusively for the North American market. It was not only the last American football video game for the Sega Genesis, but it was one of the last sports games for the dying of age 16bit console period. Over recent years, the game has been restored with updates to uniforms, helmets and players. Author: Surhone, Lambert M./ Tennoe, Mariam T./ Henssonow, Susan F. Binding Type: Paperback Number of Pages: 90 Publication Date: 2010/08/16 Language: English Dimensions: 6.00 x 9.02 x 0.22 inches |
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Peyton Manning Mini Helmets, 8 x 10 Photographs and Autographed Football in Deluxe Frame Shadow Box $1200 This Shadow Box brought to you by Encore Select features player Peyton Manning of the Indianapolis Colts. This Shadow Box includes 2 matted photos, 2 mini NFL football helmets, an autographed football, a nameplate, and a certificate of authenticity. |
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William Perry Mini Helmets, 8 x 10 Photographs and Autographed Football in Deluxe Frame Shadow Box $750 This Shadow Box brought to you by Encore Select features player William Perry of the NFL Chicago Bears. This Shadow Box includes 2 matted photos, 2 mini football helmets, an autographed football, a nameplate, and a certificate of authenticity. |
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NFL 32 Piece Wood Display $99.99 NFL 32 Piece Wood Display All 32 NFL teams in pocket size Revolution style helmets, displayed in an attractive black wood case with sliding acrylic doors for easy access. Ideal for fans of all ages. Looks great on any wall or sitting on a desk or shelf. Helmets are approx. 2" tall. Case measures 11"x23.75"x3.5". |
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Riddell Pocket NFL Helmet Match-Up $57.72 Riddell Pocket NFL Helmet Match-Up The Helmet Match-Up combines two interactive displays in one! On one side, fans can arrange the 1.5" tall team helmets to show the match-ups for that week's games. When the games are over, simply turn the display around and arrange the helmets by division standings. Includes all 32 Vend size team helmets with official team logos. Helmets fit securely into flexible foam panel and are visible from both sides. |
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NFL General NFL Case-Up" 4 Mini Helmet Display Case (Horizontal) (Black) $311.33 NFL General NFL Case-Up" 4 Mini Helmet Display Case (Horizontal) (Black) Lucky 4's. Ultimate collectors mini helmets case. This beautiful case allows you to display your 4 mini helmets where they can be noticed. Available with your favorite NFL team logo beautifully engraved on the highest quality 1/8 cast acrylic lid. This case has a mirror back and the base is available in wood; black or mahogany. Measures 6 1/2"D X 20"W X 17 1/2"H. Mini helmets not included. Made in USA. |
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NFL General NFL Case-Up" 4 Mini Helmet Display Case (Vertical) (Black) $340.08 NFL General NFL Case-Up" 4 Mini Helmet Display Case (Vertical) (Black) NEW! Lucky 4's. Ultimate collectors mini helmets case. This beautiful case allows you to display your 4 mini helmets VERTICALLY where they can be noticed. Available with your favorite NFL team logo beautifully engraved on the highest quality 1/8 cast acrylic lid. This case has a mirror back and the frame is available in wood; black or mahogany. Measures 7 1/2"D X 12 5/8"W X 28 7/8"H. Mini helmets not included. Made in USA. |
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NFL General NFL Case-Up" 4 Mini Helmet Display Case (Horizontal) (Cherry) $311.33 NFL General NFL Case-Up" 4 Mini Helmet Display Case (Horizontal) (Cherry) Lucky 4's. Ultimate collectors mini helmets case. This beautiful case allows you to display your 4 mini helmets where they can be noticed. Available with your favorite NFL team logo beautifully engraved on the highest quality 1/8 cast acrylic lid. This case has a mirror back and the base is available in wood; black or mahogany. Measures 6 1/2"D X 20"W X 17 1/2"H. Mini helmets not included. Made in USA. |
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NFL Logo Riddell Replica Mini Football Helmet $27.4 Just half the size of the on-field Riddell helmets, but full of detail, each mini helmet is made to Riddell specifications. From the ABS plastic shell to the face mask, padding and chin strap, the minis are modeled after the game equipment. Even the colors and decals are right on the money. All beautifully boxed, Riddell's mini football helmets are winning raves from the sidelines. Product Dimensions: 6" L x 4.5" W x 5.25" HRiddell is the official licensed manufacturer of the NFL and most college team helmets.Available in many NCAA Teams and all 32 NFL Teams.Please note our warehouse ships the current style / logo of this team's helmet. |
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NFL Replica Mini Helmet - Ravens $26.78 NFL Replica Mini Helmet - Ravens The greatest miniature sports collectible ever! Approximately 1/2 scale versions of NFL helmets. ABS plastic shells with plastic facemask and authentic-looking team decals. This helmet has become a staple in the collectibles market for several good reasons. It's affordable, doesn't take up too much room and showcases an autograph like nothing else! Once you start your collection you'll be hooked! |
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NFL Replica Mini Helmet - Bills $26.78 NFL Replica Mini Helmet - Bills The greatest miniature sports collectible ever! Approximately 1/2 scale versions of NFL helmets. ABS plastic shells with plastic facemask and authentic-looking team decals. This helmet has become a staple in the collectibles market for several good reasons. It's affordable, doesn't take up too much room and showcases an autograph like nothing else! Once you start your collection you'll be hooked! |
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NFL Replica Mini Helmet - Bengels $26.78 NFL Replica Mini Helmet - Bengels The greatest miniature sports collectible ever! Approximately 1/2 scale versions of NFL helmets. ABS plastic shells with plastic facemask and authentic-looking team decals. This helmet has become a staple in the collectibles market for several good reasons. It's affordable, doesn't take up too much room and showcases an autograph like nothing else! Once you start your collection you'll be hooked! |
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NFL Replica Mini Helmet - Browns $26.78 NFL Replica Mini Helmet - Browns The greatest miniature sports collectible ever! Approximately 1/2 scale versions of NFL helmets. ABS plastic shells with plastic facemask and authentic-looking team decals. This helmet has become a staple in the collectibles market for several good reasons. It's affordable, doesn't take up too much room and showcases an autograph like nothing else! Once you start your collection you'll be hooked! |
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NFL Replica Mini Helmet - Packers $26.78 NFL Replica Mini Helmet - Packers The greatest miniature sports collectible ever! Approximately 1/2 scale versions of NFL helmets. ABS plastic shells with plastic facemask and authentic-looking team decals. This helmet has become a staple in the collectibles market for several good reasons. It's affordable, doesn't take up too much room and showcases an autograph like nothing else! Once you start your collection you'll be hooked! |
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NFL Replica Mini Helmet - Redskins $26.78 NFL Replica Mini Helmet - Redskins The greatest miniature sports collectible ever! Approximately 1/2 scale versions of NFL helmets. ABS plastic shells with plastic facemask and authentic-looking team decals. This helmet has become a staple in the collectibles market for several good reasons. It's affordable, doesn't take up too much room and showcases an autograph like nothing else! Once you start your collection you'll be hooked! |
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NFL Replica Mini Helmet - Texans $26.78 NFL Replica Mini Helmet - Texans The greatest miniature sports collectible ever! Approximately 1/2 scale versions of NFL helmets. ABS plastic shells with plastic facemask and authentic-looking team decals. This helmet has become a staple in the collectibles market for several good reasons. It's affordable, doesn't take up too much room and showcases an autograph like nothing else! Once you start your collection you'll be hooked! |
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NFL Replica Mini Helmet - Colts $26.78 NFL Replica Mini Helmet - Colts The greatest miniature sports collectible ever! Approximately 1/2 scale versions of NFL helmets. ABS plastic shells with plastic facemask and authentic-looking team decals. This helmet has become a staple in the collectibles market for several good reasons. It's affordable, doesn't take up too much room and showcases an autograph like nothing else! Once you start your collection you'll be hooked! |