I was surprised that Borland didn't at least try the Pro Cap that the Niners LT Steve Wallace wore in the 90's. It was a styrofoam and rubber "toupee" that sat on the top of a helmet's outer shell. It seems the NFL controversially outlawed it years ago citing increased risk of neck injury. Wallace had 3(!) concussions in half a season before he wore it and claims he was concussion free afterwards. You'd think with the money that Borland, etc. are giving up would spur the NFLPA to at least fight for Pro Caps. It might be a viable alternative.
That said, there's a decent chance that concussions will go down as coaches from youth leagues on up stress that the helmet cannot be used at all. When/if the league dumps Goodell and gets serious about illegal helmet hits with serious fines and suspensions, along with outright bans for players who won't change. A guy like Meriweather simply shouldn't be allowed to play given the tackling choices he makes. As the old school tacklers retire, the game should at least have fewer helmet-to-helmet hits and that'll go a long way to slowing concussions.
A shame for Borland though, but it's a good decision by him given the current climate.
That said, there's a decent chance that concussions will go down as coaches from youth leagues on up stress that the helmet cannot be used at all. When/if the league dumps Goodell and gets serious about illegal helmet hits with serious fines and suspensions, along with outright bans for players who won't change. A guy like Meriweather simply shouldn't be allowed to play given the tackling choices he makes. As the old school tacklers retire, the game should at least have fewer helmet-to-helmet hits and that'll go a long way to slowing concussions.
A shame for Borland though, but it's a good decision by him given the current climate.
