Toughness: Redefined

Now that we are in the process of thawing out from "ChiBeria" I thought it would be interesting to look at how this cold weather is affecting athletes, more specifically football players.

Football fans know that the players pride themselves on being tough. Playing through injuries, ignoring concussion symptoms and not wearing sleeves during games played in frigid temperatures. It's been a staple of the game since the early days of the NFL going back to the Ice Bowl in 1967 when the high temp was -15 degrees. Guys were out there playing in sleeveless jerseys and fingerless gloves.

Today toughness has become more of a rhetoric for most players. Injuries have become more acceptable and cold weather games are more anticipated and prepared for.

Take for example this years Super Bowl. The first Super Bowl to be played outdoors at MetLife stadium in New Jersey. Countless stories have been told that highlight the possibility of a Super Bowl played in blizzard-like conditions. SportsCenter has gone as far as interviewing people from the farmers almanac who say that Feb 2nd is supposed to be a day of snow and bitter cold wind.

Unlike in years past where players were on their own to battle the elements, teams are more prepared than ever. This year the sidelines for the Super Bowl will be equipped with commercial heaters,
seat and leg warmers and players will have access to heavy jackets, beanies and endless amounts of soup at halftime. Going further, Nike has unveiled their winter gear for the Super Bowl that includes fleece lined gloves — gloves lined with fur. Now these aren't the type of gloves you and I wear. These are the super sticky-tacky gloves that allow receivers to catch rocket passes and allow linebackers to hold on to shifty running backs without any problem.

No longer do I want to hear about how tough it is out there for these players when they play in cold weather. And just to my surprise, there's more. Brandon Marshall, WR for the hopeless Chicago Bears, wore a pair of slipper cleats during a game in Cleveland this year. Cleats that are lined with a warm layer of animal fur.


So next time you see these players out there battling each other in the tundra, don't be impressed by their cold breath and steam coming off their heads. Look to see if you can spot the players wearing the furry cleats and fur lined gloves. This is the new toughness.