Article - 07/21/2005

The Last of a Dying Breed - Cardinals Punter Scott Player

Arizona Cardinals - Scott Player

When punter Scott Player steps off the field for the final time, it will mark the end of an era in the National Football League. The pending retirements of kicker Gary Anderson and of punter Sean Landetta, have left the Cardinal veteran as the lone remaining player to use the single (or one-bar) helmet.

The one-bar face mask design has a long history in the NFL dating back 50 years ago. Well-known Hall of Famers including Johnny Unitas, Bart Starr, George Blanda and even Cardinals favorite Larry Wilson all excelled wearing the now-dated style. Citing safety concerns, the NFL now prohibits players from wearing the "one-bar." An exception was made for the few remaining players still wearing it - similar to what the National Hockey League did when it mandated helmets and visors for its players in the 1980s.

Thankfully, Cardinals fans will continue to see Player making "history" on the field for the foreseeable future. The team recently signed the 2000 Pro Bowl punter through the 2007 season.

Player started wearing the "one-bar" when he joined the league in 1998 and doesn't apologize for his taste in equipment. "I got into a bad habit (with other mask styles) of holding the ball too high and it affected by kicks," he recalls. "But with the 'one-bar', there's nothing blocking my vision, the ball or what's in front of me.

Despite the "old school" look, the "one bar" has helped Player be one of the most consistent punters in the league. Last season the eight-year pro had an exceptional campaign, averaging 43.1 yards per punt and downing a career-best 32 kicks inside the opponents' 20.

Player takes the kidding and comments about his helmet in stride. "I constantly hear guys laughing and making fun of it. Some have even asked if they could try the helmet on. It's really no big deal."

His coach agrees. "He doesn't care," says Special Teams Coach Kevin O'Dea. "He's the 'classic car' in the group. He'll be the last active player to ever wear the one-bar, now that the NFL has outlawed it. But it doesn't make a difference when it comes to his performance"

O'Dea said that Player, who has the longest tenure of anyone on the Cardinal's roster, sets a good example. "He's not the most vocal guy, so he leads by how he performs. He works hard at doing what a punter needs to do and I think he's at that Pro Bowl caliber again."

Player takes his role on the team very seriously. "I'm a hired gun - If the offense isn't moving the ball, it's my job to put our defense in a good spot. It's a lot like being a closer in baseball. I've been doing the same thing since I came into the league, so I'm just going to keep doing it."

Despite his contract extension, Player's not relaxing, working hard to prepare for the coming season. "I never get comfortable - each practice could be my last. Contracts aren't guaranteed, so I'm not taking anything for granted."

No matter what helmet he wears or how much teasing he takes for it, O'Dea said it best ,"It really doesn't matter what he wears. It's his performance on the field that's important."

By Scott D. Jones/Special to www.AZCARDINALS.com