Knee Pads/Thigh Pads

[TXMike]

Never thought I would see this

http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nfl-shutdown-corner/nfl-mandate-knee-thigh-pads-players-2013-193053822.html

[El Macman]

If it happens - at that is a HUGE if - it will be because manufacturers figure out how players can wear pads without them being constrictive or restrictive. And that is something that has been needed since the inception of padding.
If it happens, it will probably trickle down to the NCAA. The NFL is successful in enforcing their uniform and equipment rules, because they hit the players in their pocketbooks for violations. The NCAA can't really fine players, and they haven't shown any backbone in moving to fine the institutions. Until they do, knees will remain uncovered.
Of course, the NCAA may not exist as we know it in a few years, anyway. If a 'big' conference commissioner has his way, a 'select' number of teams (64-96) will separate from the NCAA, and form regional super-conferences, with a playoff system. They'll write their own rules, and my guess is they'll play a game that more closely resembles the NFL than traditional college football, because it is more conducive to revenue generation.

[Diablo]

"McKay also suggests there's no downside, a claim that's both wrong and frivolous. Of course there's a downside; they can make players run slower. "

If all players are required to wear knee pads, won't all players run slower?  Isn't that a wash?

[El Macman]

"McKay also suggests there's no downside, a claim that's both wrong and frivolous. Of course there's a downside; they can make players run slower. "

If all players are required to wear knee pads, won't all players run slower?  Isn't that a wash?

Totally correct. But, that assumes all players wear them and wear them properly. There's where the door is open to pushing the envelope. That's the one thing about optional pads that is a positive - you can't cheat. Once the players get down to totally exposed knees and no thigh pads - now they are 100% 'equalized.' There is no cheating. You've got what you were born with.
I don't really care if they wear pads or not. I just don't want to return to the position of being asked to enforce rules that no one above us supports.

[Atlanta Blue]

Players will fight this.  In the NFL, some fullbacks are the only players I currently see wearing thigh pads, and virtually no one wears knee pads.

Rich McKay saying the owners can implement this without player approval is a PR ploy.  Rule or not, there is no way this gets implemented unless the NFLPA agrees.  What are the officials going to do if NO player on the field wears thigh pads?  Keep dropping flags all day, or eject all of the players?  That isn't going to happen, not with 30 TV cameras focussed on the field for Sunday night football!

Owners will have to convince the NFLPA that it's a good idea, and that will be a tough hill to climb.

As for the theory that it will slow all players, true, but it won't affect all of them equally.  Even if only one pad is approved for all players (another thing that won't happen), it isn't going to fit or be worn the same by all players.

And now Nike is going to have to redesign those new uniforms again, because currently, they don't have room or pockets for thigh or knee pads.

[El Macman]

And now Nike is going to have to redesign those new uniforms again, because currently, they don't have room or pockets for thigh or knee pads.

My heart breaks. That will put a major crimp in their budget and profits. Maybe Congress will bail them out...