If a players hair is long enough that it reaches the jersey, it's part of the uniform and can be used to pull the player down, therefore it's up to the player to keep their hair short.

When you're chasing a ballcarrier with other 200-300lb athletes pushing and shoving you around it is very possible to inadvertently grab someone's hoodie and yank them to the ground. It's not that hard to understand the concept at all and it's obviously a very valid rule to help with player safety.

We need to understand that these are human beings, not machines and just because there is a rule preventing horse collar tackling doesn't mean it will never happen unintentionally.

Originally Posted by: Zero2Cool 

Of course there is inadvertent tackles. Or td saving tackles. The player who puts the hoodie on know what might happen. Sorry I didn't read the deadlock rules. I heard the tv talking heads proclaim players can grab hair. I feel the same way about the hair as I do the hoodie. Wear it at your own peril.

Originally Posted by: wpr 

Dreadlocks and long hair are and have been open game. Best example I can remember was Polamalu

Originally Posted by: PackFanWithTwins 

Of course there is inadvertent tackles. Or td saving tackles. The player who puts the hoodie on know what might happen. Sorry I didn't read the deadlock rules. I heard the tv talking heads proclaim players can grab hair. I feel the same way about the hair as I do the hoodie. Wear it at your own peril.

Originally Posted by: wpr 

I understand what you're saying by too many rules, you know I hate rules in general, but this one I have to agree with. Yes, players should know the risk, but can't we say the same about concussions and head injuries? Sometimes when you're in your early 20's you feel you will live forever and that makes you commit to poor decisions.

Honestly, I think jewelry should be disallowed. I see some of these guys wearing huge crosses around their neck or big diamond earrings and I just can't help think how stupid they are for it. Aside from the financial loss if/when it falls out on to the field that could do some serious damage to you if you get hit just right.

Originally Posted by: Zero2Cool