Why not enforce thigh and knee pads this year?

The NFL intends on making knee and thigh pads mandatory for players in 2013.

Why not do it in 2012?

“We want to give players an opportunity, and want to give the manufacturers and opportunity to make sure we have the best technology we can have and the most comfortable way to wear it – whether it is a girdle or inside the pant that you have,” said Rich McKay, from the NFL’s Competition Committee. “That will require some input from the players, also. So we think this gives us the best opportunity to implement it by giving us that bigger window.”