When Roger Goodell took over as the National Football League’s commissioner, the game of football began to take a major step toward player safety. His legacy will be swarms of new rules and regulations that give a facelift to the game of football. While his intention with these changes is for the well-being of the players, they are, in fact, disturbing the well-being of the sport. With these “sweetening” rules, the NFL is going soft.

This new NFL season has brought more outrageous penalties for defensive players. This year the rules address the corners in the league. Now, once a receiver catches the ball, he must not only plant both feet on the ground but also begin a running motion in order for him to be legally tackled. Basically, the corner plays the role of a sitting duck until a pass is complete, as he can only deflect/intercept the pass when the receiver is in the air. The possible influences of this rule are hard-hitting secondaries that prey upon vulnerable receivers. Instead of keeping a game changing factor in the game, the league has left its defense out to dry just as many a quarterback has to his receivers.

There’s more.

New this year, as well, is the rule that strips running backs of a very effective, very legal move. Upon receiving the ball, the running back cannot bend his head to break tackles. This change is obviously trying to reduce the rate of concussions, but unfortunately, running backs are now almost defenseless against oncoming defenders. The only options they have are the stiff-arm or to simply outrun their opponents. While putting one’s head down in a battering ram style is an obvious way to get a concussion, professional running backs are fully aware of how simple hazardous actions such as this are detrimental to their well-being. The NFL should leave it up to the ball carrier himself to handle the way he uses his body in the game.

Quarterbacks and kickers rejoice-there’s more for you guys as well.

When a quarterback or other player on the offense commits a turnover that is returned by a defensive player, they are protected from harm’s way.  The quarterback cannot be blocked when going for the tackle to stop a touchdown. Likewise, the kicker (known as the last line of defense on kickoffs and punt returns) cannot be blocked as well. This adds to the growing list of penalties further babying the quarterbacks and kickers.

Absolutely laughable.

What has been said before will be said again; when players put on a football jersey and helmet, they unofficially agree to the potential harms and dangers the game of football brings. While these new rules and regulations are in no way, shape or form meant to purposefully water down the sport, they are destroying the aspects that fans have all come to know and love.

Seeing a corner lay the smack down on an unaware receiver to force an incomplete pass brings excitement to viewer’s eyes. Watching an ill-advised throw turn into 6 more points on the opposing team’s scoreboard makes people jump out of their seats.  Cheering on your favorite running back as he breaks through the line of scrimmage for 20-plus yards makes fantasy football owners pump their fists.

While safety always comes first, let the precautions be decided upon by the players, not people in suits. All professional players are fully aware of the potential physical harm they may endure, and quite frankly, they do not care. Let it not be up to the league to help grown men making millions of dollars live their lives and play the game.