I'm pretty sure that is not the reason not every player wears them. It seems to me that a lot of OL wear them because they are very large men with equally large men constantly putting pressure on them. I think they need a little extra support on the knees. However, someone like a WR and RB who isn't very big, doesn't have to constantly wrestle with another player and depends on speed and quickness would have no real benefit in wearing them unless they have a medical condition. These are multi-million dollar teams and multi-million dollar contracts. There is more than enough money to pony up to ensure that all contracts are well protected.
I played SS in college and I wore a knee brace. The brace keeps you from over-extending your knee which is always a good thing. The brace in no way shape or form supports body weight. They are beneficial to every guy on that field. Now tell me why a team wouldn't "pony up" to provide them for their entire team.
I used to play OL when I was a tad younger. I never wore them(Wish I did now, knees are shredded) but a lot of the guys on the line did. And this was years ago. Lotta bucks flying around these guys and the D keeps getting bigger and stronger. I doesn't hurt mobility just protectcs the investments. If they choose to wear them. Smart move on both our guys parts.
not sure how familiar anyone on here would be when it comes to research involving proprioceptive properties of the lower extremities when utilizing durable products(ie bracing). some research shows that overuse of said products can actually cause weakening of the joints in the lower extremities and cause them to become more prone to injury. it really depends on what theories or research you lean on. there is much debate on this topic in the realm of physical therapy and sports medicine. i can't recall which team it was, but recently a perennial top 10 contender in D1A discontinued constant use of knee braces when, in the past, they required all OL to wear them. all because of some of the new research that is coming out. ...and no, why would a measley $800 prevent multi-million $ teams and players from using something that will supposedly prevent injury without limiting mobility? there must be some other reason no? <end sarcasm>
yea, this is nothing to get worried about, almost all college lineman wear these prevantative braces.
I didn't mean they support the body weight, just that they support the knee. And I was asking the same question as to why the team wouldn't pay to provide them for everyone. I think you misunderstood me Bricket-Head. I also still think they are not beneficial to everyone on the field as it would be more of an annoyance than a benefit to someone like a wide receiver who is more in need of quick cuts and fast breaks then support from hyperextension due to a hit.
I understand what you are saying. But I am saying that I wore a brace nearly identical to the ones Brick and Mangold use and it really didn't "support" anything. It just stops your knee from extending more than it needs to. Technically speaking I guess it might support the ligaments in your knee. And while it didn't make a difference when I made cuts or changed direction, I will add that it was slightly uncomfortable to wear.
Have either of these guys signed yet? Maybe it's their agents that are making them wear them in order to prevent an injury that will adversely effect their payday. Remember, we're talking millions here and injury settlements are only in the thousands.
You also have to remember that these guys are 300 lbs. plus and have more weight on them when blocking other lineman + pads. So I think it will help support weight a bit more for them than a shortstop.
The glass is not only half-empty, it's a strychnine cocktail. Excellent. Hehehe. As to the knee braces, an ounce of prevention is worth 300 lbs. of cure. Makes sense to me.
i have a brace like that for one knee. its not as crazy and serious a contraption as it seems. i had it for a strained mcl and acl and i play rb/wr but after my knee healed, i asked if i should wear it. they say its a good idea during practice because it just doesnt allow lateral movement of the joint. its not a big deal its just the up and down is wear and tear enough so the braces just keep them healthy. its precautionary
Take a look at some better pictures of our OL from the last few years. Our leader on the OL has been wearing two braces for quite a while. Mawae: (Both Knees) I played the OL and DL this year in high school, and because of the way your legs get twisted and bent, wearing a brace if your knees are anything less than perfect is the right thing to do. It provides stability and helps prevent injury.
I know UF makes all of their lineman wear knee braces all year long and in games... It's just to help stop injuries... Though Carson palmer was wearing a Knee Brace when his got shredded...
