Why does football use facemasks?

How come football helmets have facemasks as opposed to a solid, one-piece clear face shield made out of a shatter-proof polymer? Sort of like a motorcycle helmet full-face shield except more sturdy, impact-resistant material. It seems like what I suggest would improve visibility and eliminate the possibiliy of someone accidentally grabbing the facemask and injuring a player's neck.

Now that you mention it, that does appear to make sense. My guess is that it will likely never happen. Why? Because there is something intrinsically sinister and testosteronic about conventional face masks with bars. Exchange them for clear laninate, and some of the \"gladiatorial essence\" of the game would go \"poof\" into the ethers of the night...or sumpin...

There was a whole era where football didn't even have facemasks at all, so it's not like its deeply entrenched into the tradition of the game or anything. When the changeover happened, there were probably people who thought it was really wussy to need face protection.

No doubt...

vs


???

Maybe they can't breath as well with less ventilation.