Hell has frozen over. Dogs and cats are living together. A member of the Steelers defense is advocating further protections for defenseless receivers.
That’s what linebacker Larry Foote had to say to reporters on Wednesday, via 105.9 The X in Pittsburgh.
Specifically, Foote has no problem with a ban on low hits by defenders against receivers who have yet to get in position to protect themselves. Foote realizes that many offensive players have been injured when defensive players have gone low, especially before the offensive players can brace for contact.
“As long as they turn up and see you coming you can hit them wherever you want,” Foote said.
Foote added that he doesn’t think it’s a dirty play “because they’ve been doing it for ages.” But he realizes the benefit of the added protection. And he supports it.
In contrast, defensive players routinely resist changes aimed at reducing blows to or with the helmet. The fact that so many players support a restriction on low hits means that the league and the union should commence immediately efforts to make the rules match the expectations of the men who are playing the game.