There are some unwritten rules in professional football that almost all the players respect. It can come down to a matter of self preservation because just like in NASCAR, the old saying “what goes around, comes around” holds true in the NFL as well.
No Going Low for the Knees. As tough and as violent as this game is, every player in the NFL understands this game also serves as a livelihood. So play the game straight up. When a defensive player is in position to form tackle and decides to take out the opposing player knees, it’s considered to be dirty and breaks an unwritten rule.
Headed Out of Bounds? Don’t Accelerate for Collision. How many times have you seen a running back forced out of bounds by a defensive player’s pursuit angle? When a running back is choking down from full speed to exit out of bounds while still in the field of play, it’s known as an automatic surrender. The defensive player knows to guide him out of bounds rather than collide.
If a Player sees a Hazardous Pile Behind his Opponent, Don’t Push Him Over. It’s always gets a laugh in the cartoons, but when a player cannot impact a play or the play is dead, and he sees a moving pile forming behind a player he’s engaged with, the choice is simple; don’t push him over. Kickoff & Punt Returns: We all know that special teams is how a handful of guys make the 53-man roster, but wedge busting on kick returns is so violent that one hit not only could eliminate your chance of making the squad but also could end a career. It’s understood that rather than being a special teams kamikaze, you let up a bit on impact to preserve health.
Don’t grab the package in the pile. By any means necessary, players will attempt to gain an advantage over his opponent during a scrum. Some players will reach and twist anything to create fear and pain. It’s widely understood in football that you do not grab another man’s package, however. Have some dignity, guys.
No Sulking on the Sidelines. Carolina Panthers veteran receiver Steve Smith says he” lit into” Cam Newton about his actions on the sideline when the young quarterback was replaced late in the fourth quarter of Thursday night’s 36-7 blowout loss to the New York Giants.
Smith said he was upset when Newton sat “sulking” on the bench instead of getting up to watch backup Derek Anderson and trying to learn from his own mistakes.
Do Not Redress Your Team Mates on National TV. Chicago Bears Quarterback was caught on camera getting on the case of his offensive linemen for not giving him adequate pass protection.
This is not how to build team spirit or build a lasting bond with the guys charged with watching your back.
