Today's Tidbit... Grasping A Horned Frog's Face Mask

The Tidbit of a few days ago covered the transition from leather to plastic helmets in the 1950s. At the time, some coaches continued capping their teams in leather, believing plastic helmets presented a danger to other players. Many of those coaches also disliked face masks since opposing players were also struck by them. Nevertheless, the 1950s saw a range of face mask designs come on the market, and a higher percentage of players wearing them.

Other than early rules outlawing tackling below the waist or knees, football’s rules did not specify which part of the body or equipment opponents could grab when tackling a ball carrier. You could grab him anywhere that worked, including the face or helmet.

1947 Oregon yearbook