# Newsflash: NFL rules guys getting boring

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/newsflash-nfl-rules-guys-getting-boring/666148>\
**Category:** The Game Room\
**Created:** [August 13, 2013, 7:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/newsflash-nfl-rules-guys-getting-boring/666148 "2013-08-13T19:04:22Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 1\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![Inigo\_Montoya](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/inigo_montoya/32/124_2.png) [@Inigo\_Montoya](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Inigo_Montoya)\
**Post date:** [August 13, 2013, 7:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/newsflash-nfl-rules-guys-getting-boring/666148/1 "2013-08-13T19:04:22Z")

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So now, no obnoxious [facemasks](http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1735474-the-nfl-bans-customized-facemasks-because-football-isnt-supposed-to-be-fun?utm_source=cnn.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=editorial&hpt=hp_t5) unless medically necessary.

Now first of all: damn! I was so hoping someone would put together a wicked jack-o-lantern grin or something reminiscent of a great white shark’s smile.

And secondly, why this restriction? As long as vision (and thus safety & performance) isn’t substantially compromised, what would be wrong if someone just went all out and put on a solid steel plate? Such a contraption would make it harder to incur an accidental face-mask grab so–safer, right?

So, no individualized face masks, but 3-foot long dreadlocks flopping about behind you, just begging for a grab or accidental snag, is ok?