by Lauren Warfield, Page Editor
It is that time of year again. The leaves are changing, the pumpkins are coming out, and every Sunday is full of football. With anxious fans waiting to watch their favorite teams and players take the field, this season is deemed to be full of nothing but excitement. The 2019-2020 season is already off to a chaotic and attention-grabbing start as the National Football League makes new rules for the stellar athletes. As of last season, the League has made it mandatory for athletes to wear a specific helmet to ensure their safety while on the field. This new rule has not only frustrated many players but affected the way they play the game.
For example, New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady has explained how the new helmet negatively affects his peripheral vision on the field, imperative for quarterbacks; however, Antonio Brown, wide receiver for the Raiders, appears to be the most angered and vocal player about the new helmet implications. After speaking out against the helmet to the football league, Brown stood his ground by not showing up for training camp and mandatory practices. In hopes of not having to change helmets, Brown later threatened to retire from the NFL if his request was not met. As a result, on September 7, 2019, the Raiders organization released Brown from his contract.
Despite the sudden decision, the New England Patriots did not pass up the chance to add the stellar athlete to their team. In the end, you will still be seeing Antonio Brown on the field this season—but in a Patriots uniform and new styled helmet.