Pittsburgh Steeler #92 James Harrison
Pittsburgh Steeler #92 James Harrison is in the national spotlight again. This time it’s not about NFL Commissioner Robert Goodell targeting and fining Harrison thousands of dollars for playing the game, but how Harrison is trying to create more awareness about concussions in the NFL, and finding the technology and other solutions to limit them.
If there is any football player that can deliver a bone crunching tackle in the NFL , it would have to be Pittsburgh Steeler #92. Harrison has been with the Steelers for almost 10 years and has since racked up 2 Super Bowl rings and been to 4 Pro Bowls. Any Pittsburgh Steeler fan wanting those vicious hits and runaway freight train power, you come to appreciate Harrison’s fierceness for the game.
With Harrison’s aggressive style of play, he’s suffered just as many concussions as he’s dished out. Harrison has been looking at other technologies on the market that could help end these damaging hits to the head, or at least limit them. As far as the other guys, I think he wants to figure out how he can hit even harder. Ala Colt McCoy.
Since the National Football League chooses not to step up and find technologies and/or develop equipment that protect the players that make the NFL what it is, the players are forced to find their own solutions and technologies to help combat concussions. Harrison’s solution is Kevlar.
Kevlar, the same materials used in ballistic vests that protect our soldiers and law enforcement personnel, is now being used by some players in the NFL like Harrison. The Kevlar materials are layered inside the players’ helmets creating an additional layer of protection for their heads. Harrison commented that the extra pound or so it adds to his helmet is well worth the protection.
Here’s a sweet hit by Harrison on Cleveland Brown’s #11 Mohamed Massaquoi:
[…] from all the local experts. “You know what the Stillers need to do Mike? They need to get Harrison playing DB and put Polamalu at RB. I’ll show Yinz haw to play […]