We can't turn back the clock and revert back to the 1940's. Things weren't so great injury-wise before face masks and improved shoulder pads. My Dad played in the early 40's and most football players suffered facial and dental injuries in the leather helmet days as well as shoulder injuries because of the flimsy shoulder pads.
We should be improving the equipment, not eliminating it.
I think lack of fan acceptance would prevent such rollback.
My Dad played in the early 40's and most football players suffered facial and dental injuries in the leather helmet days as well as shoulder injuries because of the flimsy shoulder pads.
Sounds similar to present day hockey players. The dislocated shoulder and broken nose are self limiting factors which serve to prevent more serious spinal injuries and long term debilitating conditions.
We should be improving the equipment, not eliminating it.
I don't know to what extent any equipment improvements will lessen the risk of long term conditions. As equipment improves, the game will probably evolve towards even bigger, stronger and faster athletes. While equipment and athletes change, the laws of physics do not. If the equipment is safe enough that a quarterback can withstand being blindsided by a 300 pound defensive end, the game will start seeing 350+ pound defensive ends running 4.8 40's.