Former NFL player Ryan Clark recently voiced his thoughts on social media about the challenges defenders face in today’s football. In a tweet, he expressed his concerns about how the game has become more cautious and how fans and observers have become more sensitive to certain hits.
In a recent tweet, Clark highlighted the dilemma defenders often find themselves in. If a defender goes high to tackle an opponent, there’s a risk of causing a concussion, which can be dangerous and result in penalties. On the other hand, if a defender goes low to avoid head injuries, there’s a chance of causing lower extremity injuries like knee or ankle injuries.
If a defender goes high and a player gets concussed he’s dirty! If a defender goes low and a player gets a lower extremity injury he’s dirty. Where can he hit a runner then y’all? I mean sheesh. The growing softness of this game and the sensitivity of those who watch it saddens…
— Ryan Clark (@Realrclark25) September 19, 2023
Clark’s tweet points to a growing debate in football about the “right” way to hit. With the sport’s increasing emphasis on player safety, defenders are under pressure to find a balance between stopping their opponents and avoiding potentially harmful collisions.
The NFL and other football organizations have implemented rules and penalties to protect players from head injuries, leading to stricter enforcement against high tackles. This has led to a shift in how defenders approach their tackles.
While the focus on player safety is crucial, Clark’s tweet sheds light on the challenges defenders face in adapting to these changes. It’s not always easy to make split-second decisions in the heat of the game, and defenders are left with the difficult task of avoiding injuries while still being effective in their role.
