Wrong manufacturer. If Nike licenses the tech, the NFL will surely mandate it though.
i dont think nike licenses the tech. i thought they only have an apparel/jersey deal. you'll still see plenty of players wearing riddell revo's, schutt ions, and stupid ass 1980s tech helmets with leather chinstraps. players still have freedom to wear power brand shoulder pads and flak jackets and under armour cleats so it isnt mandatory that every player wear nike stuff.
There's been a huge increase in ACL injuries. Gotta do something.
ACL injuries are caused mostly by planting though. while a traumatic blow to the knee when your leg is planted may cause an acl tear, the impact isnt fully necessary. so a knee pad would really help all that much, but a thigh pad could help against contusions.
I read somewhere the inclusion of thigh pads and hip pads would slow down receivers which was the ultimate conclusion for mandating them.
i can see that. when i played, all the skill postions players wanted to find the smallest/thinnest knee and thigh pads available in the equipment room even though they were mandatory. the general thought was bulky thigh pads would slow you down.
edit: eznark, i think i misinterpreted your quote. i see what youre saying now. yeah, if nike had rights to tech and all they offered were concussion protection helmets then i agree they would be mandatory.