Story by: Gail Nobles
Cover Art by: Gail Nobles

When we speak of the A7FL, we’re not merely referencing a league; we’re addressing a bold manifesto! A veritable lion who boldly holds a cross in the realm of football, defying the conventions dictated by the hulking pads and glossy helmets of yesterday. Oh, what a sight it is, my friends! Players dive, dodge, and run with a raw, unadulterated ferocity.

You know, I’ve been watching football for years, and every time I see those players coming onto the field in their shiny helmets, I can’t help but wonder—should the NFL take a page out of the A7FL’s book and ditch the helmets altogether?

First of all, helmets were supposed to protect players from concussions and head injuries, right? But with the way the game is played today, it seems like those helmets are more like weapons than anything else. Players are throwing themselves around like it’s a demolition derby, and I can’t help but think those helmets give them a false sense of security.

Now, the A7FL—those folks are doing something different. They’ve tossed the helmets aside, and what do they get? A game that demands more strategy, better tackling techniques, and a greater emphasis on skill rather than brute force. When you take away the helmets, players are much less likely to lead with their heads because—guess what? They don’t want to get hurt! It's a simple concept, really. You can only fool around with your noggin’ so much before it decides to stop working properly.

But then, there's the NFL—the big league, the money-maker. Would they really be willing to take that step? What’s the price we’re willing to pay for entertainment? Are we willing to sacrifice the long-term health of our players for a few extra moments of bravado?

Now, I'm not saying the NFL should jump into this helmet-free world immediately. We need to consider practical implications—like injuries and safety protocols. But just maybe, by stripping down the armor, we’d get a game that’s more about finesse and less about smashing heads. Football is already a sport that’s evolving; we’ve seen rule changes to protect players. Why stop there? After all, it’s all fun and games until someone gets a concussion.

So, in the end, the question remains—should the NFL follow the A7FL and go helmetless? I don’t think we’re ready to make that leap just yet, but it sure is food for thought.
So here’s to the A7FL a league that symbolizes safety here’s two its lying like spirit carrying a cross of safety while showcasing a bold departure from the norm.

I'm Gail Nobles. Thank you for listening to EPS.