But isn't that its own safety issue? Like the reason we don't see Andre Reed-sized pads anymore is because the pads themselves could be used as a weapon?
There's no need for a rule change. It's a one in a hundred million shot. Unfortunately, that still is a non-zero chance. It's happened in hockey a couple of times--one guy (Chris Pronger) even went on to have a HoF career.
Hopefully, Hamlin will live a long and full life, maybe even with football as a part of it. But there's no need to change the rules for what is essentially a freak occurrence.
I did read somewhere that some softball pitchers choose to wear extra protection over the heart to prevent this type of thing; I guess that is one possible rule change.
Some serious undervaluing of AJ going on in here, IMO. No, he's not Bruce Smith, but his play above replacement level is greater than Bass's play above replacement level. (And I like Bass, don't get me wrong.)