Monday, January 6, 2014

Why NFL Players Don't Wear Sleeves Even In Dangerously Cold Games

Business Insider ^ | Jan. 5, 2014, 12:21 PM | Jay Yarow 

Perhaps you've heard it's going to be cold during today's Green Bay Packers game against the San Francisco 49ers.
Perhaps you've also heard that "cold" is an understatement. Weather.com says it will feel like -17 degrees during the heart of the game.
In weather like that, the beer in the stands can freeze before it's consumed. In weather like that, your hands go numb, your chest tightens, and just breathing the air can cause a burning sensation. It's just not weather designed for human beings.
And, yet, they will play football in this weather, because the NFL doesn't cancel games that are too cold.
And crazier still, many of the people playing in today's game will be out there in short sleeves, thin spandex pants, a jock strap, some pads, a t-shirt, a helmet, socks, shoes, and nothing else.
Why do NFL players refuse to wear sleeves, even when it's dangerously cold out?
Former Ravens linebacker Brendon Ayanbadejo has a great story up at Fox about he dealt with the cold weather.
Here's his explanation of why players don't wear sleeves:
One of the game-day rules for the Bears and Ravens -- and I would imagine any mentally tough team -- is that there are no long sleeves allowed under your jersey. That reinforces a mentally tough state of mind and it also is used as an intimidator to the opposing team, like a gorilla pounding on his chest in jungle saying "look at me I don't need sleeves in the cold."
But, let's just say you're not an insane person. You're not scared to wear sleeves. What happens to you? You'll probably get crap from some teammates. But at least you won't freeze to death.
(Excerpt) Read more at businessinsider.com ...

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