Chris Canty’s not doing it for fashion.
The Ravens defensive lineman has been wearing a modified facemask with an eye shield since he suffered a detached retina in 2005, and he hopes to continue, so he can continue to play.
“Not sure what the memo or new policy is, but it’s simple for me,” Canty told Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun. “No eye shield and custom mask means I can’t play. Eye would be at risk.”
The league is trying to limit the number of modified and oversized facemasks as a safety rule, but will allow players who have had medical exemptions for them to reapply.
Canty and three other players were granted such permission last year, and he understands why it has caught on.
“I invented it,” Canty said. “It’s that simple. I can’t play without it. I can’t help it that other guys think it’s cool and they want to wear it, too. It’s a necessity for me.”
We’ll see how many others are allowed the exception, or try to come up with a reason why it’s necessary for them too.