Willie's Helmet/Facemask Type

[Truck_1_0_1_]

Sorry to bother anyone with this, but I've always been curious as to why Willie used a facemask with a bar down the middle of it. I know it's probably to do with some sort of nose protection, but he was either the 3rd last or penultimate player to use it and nobody has since 2010 or so (can't remember the other player's name, but was also an Olineman).

This is what I mean:






I asked (respectfully at that) on Twitter and a prick gave a snarky response, which Willie liked, so he clearly read my question and ignored it, hence my asking right now.

Does anyone have an idea why this facemask style isn't used anymore?

The attachment feature for posts on this board doesn't work half the time, btw...

[BengalsRocker]

"He said Willie's helmet.  Uh huh huh huh."

[fredtoast]