Helmet Warning

While watching the Packer’s game the other day, I noticed what appeared to be a gray patch on the back of each Packer player’s helmet.

What else could it be but a disclaimer or warning label? And that seemed quite ludicrous to me. I mean, big ol’ strapping gridder is going to take the time out to read the miniscule words on the back of his helmet? Maybe a rookie holding and examining his pro helmet in admiration for the first time, but surely none else.

Wanna know what it says?

WARNING: NO HELMET CAN PREVENT SERIOUS HEAD OR NECK INJURIES A PLAYER MIGHT RECEIVE WHILE PARTICIPATING IN FOOTBALL. Do not use this helmet to butt, ram or spear an opposing player. This is in violation of the football rules and such use can result in severe head or neck injuries, paralysis or death to you and possible injury to your opponent. Contact in football may result in CONCUSSION-BRAIN INJURY which no helmet can prevent. Symptoms include: loss of consciousness or memory, dizziness, headache, nausea or confusion. If you have symptoms, immediately stop playing and report them to your coach, trainer and parents. Do not return to a game or practice until all symptoms are gone and you have received medical clearance. Ignoring this warning may lead to another and more serious or fatal brain injury.

Now tell me … how many football players read all of this, squeezed into a 1-inch by 2-inch little gray splotch before every practice or game?

(By the way, the autograph on the pictured helmet is Brett Favre’s.)