NFL face shields may stop droplets, but complaints?
The NFL and Oakley have unveiled plastic face shields for players’ helmets to protect them during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to The Associated Press.
Playerswerereluctant to wear masks, and they provided information to the league that helped lead tothecreationofanew shield designed to be more breathableandyetblock droplets.
“The player feedback was integral in coming up with this design,” Dr. Jeff Crandall,chairmanofthenfl’s Engineering Committee, told the AP. “They (Oakley) would start with this design and say: ‘Do you like this one better or this one? How’s your field of view on this one?’
“Attheend,theydidhave feedback from players. This was their choice for the players they’ve evaluated so far. I think each player is going to have an evaluation for themselves in terms of exactly how they favor one concept versus another.”
Thequestioniswhetherall players will want to wear it. The shield has been distributed to both Los Angeles teams, according to ESPN, so the feedback from those teams likely will impact whether the Raiders use it when they are scheduled to open training camp July 28 at their facility in Henderson.
Houstontexansstar defensive end J.J. Watt said making it mandatory for players to wear a face shield might not fly with everyone.
“My second year in the leagueithoughtit’dbecool, I put a visor on my helmet,” Watt said on a Pro Football Talk podcast. “I was like, ‘Itlookssocool,iwantto put a visor on.’ I had it on foraboutthreeperiodsof practice, and I said, ‘Take this sucker off, I’m going to die out here.’
“So now you’re going to put something around my mouth?youcankeepthat.if thatcomesintoplay,idon’t think you’re going to see me on the field.”