long hair

Question
I see the hair on defensive backs getting longer and longer, sticking out under the helmet. if a db intercepts a pass and returns it, can he be tackled by grabbing the hair streaming behind? also, the hair obscures the name, isn't that a uniform violation, or is the leage too chicken to call a penalty. rick

Answer
1. Yes Rick, every part of the ballcarrier is legal during a tackle except the facemask.

2.  I do not have a copy of the NFL Uniform Code - I am working on getting you an answer to your question about obscuring the name.  Two thoughts though: every excerpt from the Uniform Code has been limited to the uniform itself (not grooming issues, like hairlength), and the NFL is nutso strict about rule and code enforcement.  Jake Plummer being fined for wearing Pat Tillma's number is a good example of the league being sympathetic to a player's intent but being sticklers about code enforcement.