Football has been played for around 100 years. The most popular sport in America wasn't always what it is today. Over the past 100 years since football was first played, the helmets have gotten more advanced, they have been made with more protective materials, and the rules have also changed to protect the players from serious injuries.

Over the years since football has started, football helmets have gotten more and more advanced. At first, players weren't even required to wear helmets, and when they did, they wore soft leather helmets(Croswell). It wasn't until 1943 when the NFL required football helmets to be worn. Now, helmets are so advanced that quarterbacks have radios in their helmets that allow them to communicate with coaches to help coordinate plays.

Football helmets have gotten more advanced and have been outfitted with more protective materials. “With the invention of computer technology, helmet manufacturers had new ways to test helmet designs and explore new technology to put inside each helmet, especially for professional play(Sherwood).” When football first started, the players wore leather hats. In the 1950’s football changed to hard plastic helmets with facemasks. Then, in 1986, they were changed to polycarbonate helmets, the same material used in helmets today. The polycarbonate helmets are lighter and more durable than plastic helmets.

Not only have the helmets evolved, but the rules have also changed to better protect the players. In 1956, pulling on an opponent’s facemask was made illegal. In 2005, pulling on an opponent's collar was made illegal. Recently, players have been prohibited to hit opposing players in the helmet with their helmet. This is also known as helmet-to-helmet contact. These are only a few of the rule changes that have been made to protect players.

I think that football has greatly evolved and football is now a much safer sport. “Head injuries are one of the biggest risks of playing football”(Croswell). I think that head injuries are less common than they could be. One follow-up question I have is how fields and rules have affected the gameplay of football. In conclusion, football helmets have gotten more advanced, the helmets have been made with more protective materials, and the rules have also changed to protect players.

Bibliography
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3. Sherwood, Chris. "How Have Football Helmets Changed?" LIVESTRONG.COM. N.p., 26 May 2011. Web. 12 Feb. 2013. http://www.livestrong.com/article/391956-how-have-football-helmets-changed/
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