Should there be a weight limit in football?

[magnolialeague]

I know it sounds ridiculous, but in recent years I have noticed kids getting bigger and bigger. Once upon a time, I remember thinking the Nebraska Cornhuskers must grow giants in that all of their offensive lineman were 6'3"-6'6" and 275-295 pounds. The Refrigerator was an icon at 300+ pounds.

Today, High Schools have kids this big if not bigger.

It isn't healthy. It just isn't and these kids will have heart problems and diabetes.

Take a look at this article on ESPN: http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2313476

A few years ago I would have thought that a weight limit was crazy because the mobility requirements in football would act as a check and balance to countering a player's mass. Now, the kids can do both, but is it the right thing to do?

Now, I am in favor of a 275 pound weight limit. This might be the first time you have thought of it and your instinct is to say no. But I think this will be a bigger issue in the coming years, and hopefully the ultimate decision will be in favor of the health of the athletes and not just what is entertaining.

[smu96]

A weight limit is ridiculous. If a guy makes the decision to play ball and bulk himself up, then so be it. It is his decision. People should be allowed to make up their own minds and do what they what. It would be just as unhealthy having a 300 lb'er bending over the toilet trying to make the weigh in.

[SMUstang]

A weight limit is ridiculous. If a guy makes the decision to play ball and bulk himself up, then so be it. It is his decision. People should be allowed to make up their own minds and do what they what. It would be just as unhealthy having a 300 lb'er bending over the toilet trying to make the weigh in.

What about peer pressure? If a guy has to compete with 300lb+ guys, he is going to bulk up to compete. If there is a limit, he won't have to bulk up and he will be healthier for the rest of his life. Is that bad?

[magnolialeague]

A weight limit is not the best way...perhaps a body index is better and determined by height.

Nevertheless, it is something college football should consider and may be forced to consider as more studies come in.

Thank you for your thoughts and opinions.

[mrydel]

Why don't we limit it to skinny, anorexic, bulemic coeds. They can wear skimpy little outfits that fall off when they run. That to me would make about as much sense as a weight limit and probably be more enjoyable.

Ask wrestlers about weight limits and if they are healthier having them. The binge and purge rule of thumb is not what I would call healthy.

[magnolialeague]

Thank you for the image. Anorexic football....BWAHAHAHAHA!!!!

Just thinking of 78 lb men across the field with helmets on their head that they don't have the strength to hold up. QBs that throw like Monte Burns from the Simpsons where the balls falls to the ground. Players hitting each other and bones breaking on slow tackles.

Oh my...thanks for the laugh.

[EastStang]

Sugar Ray Leonard beat Roberto Duran because Duran had to make weight and dehydrated himself prior to the weigh-in. Immediately after the weigh-in Duran drank two themos' full of broth. Leonard saw that and said, "I'll bet by fight time he has a bellyache". And Leonard worked his body the entire fight until Duran went "no mas, no mas". And I remember quite a few wrestlers in my high school starving themselves to make weight. One guy had the right idea, a nymphomaniac girlfriend and sex all night in a rubber suit. He was All-District.

[mrydel]

I think you have come up with an excellent idea for a new sport. Nymphos and rubber suit oufits. There is something to be developed here.

[jtstang]

I think you have come up with an excellent idea for a new sport. Nymphos and rubber suit oufits. There is something to be developed here.

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Zed: Bring out the Gimp.
Maynard: But the Gimp's sleeping.
Zed: Well, I guess you're gonna have to go wake him up now, won't you?

[couch 'em]

What about peer pressure? If a guy has to compete with 300lb+ guys, he is going to bulk up to compete. If there is a limit, he won't have to bulk up and he will be healthier for the rest of his life. Is that bad?

OH NO! PEER PRESSURE! BOO HOO HOO HOO HOO People need to be responsible for themselves. If they choose to bulk up, so be it. When they are done with football, it will be their responsibility to slim back down. Just because you get big doesn't mean you have stay that way. It's just easier to blame everyone else, and if possible, sue.

[McClown27]

I think the weight limit should be 180 and the height limit should be 5'11". Everyone would be average!!

[couch 'em]

Soccer?