NFL owners voted on Wednesday to approve several rule changes, the most controversial of which is the league’s decision to prohibit offensive players from initiating contact with defensive players outside the tackle box by using the crown of their helmets. Running backs around the league are understandably upset with the change, as it will force many of them to completely alter their running style.
Chicago Bears running back Matt Forte has been one of the most outspoken players about the new rule. He has been tweeting about it all week long, and now that the helmet rule has passed Forte is basically saying he’s not going to follow it.
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
While the “lowering the boom fund” is an interestingly stubborn thought, there’s a bit more to it than that. As you might expect, players aren’t simply going to be fined for violating the rule. Their team will also be penalized 15 yards from the spot of the foul, which will likely hurt more than the fine in certain situations.
Like defenders who have had to deal with changing the way they hit and tackle, running backs will need to adjust. Setting aside money for fines isn’t going to stop your team from potentially costing your team the game. Whether players agree with the rule or not, it’s something they’ll have to live with.
On a side note, it looks like this kid is out of luck if he gets to the pros.
