Eric Dickerson and other running backs disgusted by crown-of-helmet rule change: ‘Take away the stiff arm?’
Pro Football Hall of Fame running backs Eric Dickerson (left) and Marshall Faulk at the 2013 Pro Bowl All-Star Block Party on Kalakaua Ave.; both are very much against the NFL’s new rule making it illegal for running backs to lead with the crowns of their helmets. (Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports)
On Wednesday, the owners of each NFL team voted on whether or not to ban running backs from leading with the crowns of their helmets outside of the tackle box. The new rule was passed nearly unanimously, meaning the game may be safer to a degree.
But most players, both retired and active, believe the rule has been taken way too far.
In fact, legendary former St. Louis Rams running back Eric Dickerson voiced his displeasure to CBS Sports.
“I did it to protect myself,” he said. “Sometimes I did it to deliver punishment. It’s a violent game.”
“I think it’s a bad rule. Mostly because it’s a natural reaction. You’ll never be abe to police it. Running backs have to be able to protect themselves and doing that is protecting yourself.”
“You ever see two rams butt heads? (The real kind, not the Los Angeles or St. Louis variety). That’s what happens in the NFL. It’s a violent sport. You knock heads. Sometimes you use the crown of your head.”
Again, the league and its owners have implemented this rule change in an effort to make the game safer (as least, that is what they will say). The way Dickerson sees things, however, those voting have completely missed the point.
“The league is trying to take the violence out of the NFL,” Dickerson explained. “That will never happen. What’s next, take the stiff arm away?”
We hit up the Twitterverse for more reactions. Matt Forte is currently one of the most prolific running backs in the league. The Chicago Bears star is literally laughing at the new rule.
Wow so they really passed that rule…last time I checked football was a contact sport. Calling bank now to set up my lowering the boom fund
— Matt Forte (@MattForte22) March 20, 2013
Guess I’ll get my fine money ready #loweringtheboomfund
— Matt Forte (@MattForte22) March 20, 2013
Next year they’ll probably be a no jumping over defenders rule… #loweringtheboomfund
— Matt Forte (@MattForte22) March 20, 2013
NFL Hall of Famer Marshall Faulk is also peeved.
The new RB rule is a joke. #competitioncommittee
— Marshall Faulk (@marshallfaulk) March 18, 2013
The chop block is illegal but a RB can have a defender on his back and get hit in the knees.
— Marshall Faulk (@marshallfaulk) March 18, 2013
A RB can’t lead with his helmet. A lot of chins are about to get busted.
— Marshall Faulk (@marshallfaulk) March 18, 2013
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