Let’s Face It: Football Is A Brutal Sport

What is getting lost in all of this “Bounty Gate” nonsense is that football really is a brutal sport. People may not like to hear it, but it is the harsh reality of the game that many have chosen to play. I grew up playing football and I knew the risk. Many injuries were suffered, but never once did it turn me away from a game I loved.

The same can be said for those players that have made it to the very top. NFL players understand the risk of playing football more than anyone and it is time to stop acting like football is a game that should be played soft. It can’t be. That’s not what the game was built on.

I can’t exactly remember where I saw this, but it was brilliantly put — Football is a brutal sport. We need to realize this. If we can’t accept it, then it is time to find a new pastime. Isn’t that the truth?

Players live for the hard hits. They love the recognition that comes along with laying out a player. It’s not just defenders, but offensive players as well. The blind-side blocks. Pancake blocks. The big hit can change momentum in a game and ultimately decide the victor. So why are people upset that a players are setting out to deliver big hits?

It is silly to get upset about the thought that players would be going out and trying to separate players from the ball. The smacking of pads and the crack that resonates after a big hit is beauty to a player’s ears. This is part of what drives them.

So what about this bounty stuff? Where should the NFL stand on this? Sure, it seems horrible at first, but let’s get rid of the bounty title. Call it what it is — a reward system.

This is no different that players in college or high school getting helmet stickers for big hits. It is a reward and players enjoy the recognition they get from their teammates. It is no different in the NFL. Players will put a pot together and hand it out for interceptions, forced fumbles and knocking players out of the game. I don’t think that is so wrong.

Every game you should go out and try to put your team in the best position to win — whatever it takes. If doing your job to the best of your ability ends up with a player hurt, that is unfortunate, but part of the risk of playing the game. Injuries always have and always will be part of the game. Let’s accept it.

As for “intentionally injuring players.” It isn’t all that it is made out to be. It is a mindset. A mindset that many of the NFL’s greatest defenders have had. You have to have a few screws loose to truly be great. Just look at the Lawrence Taylor’s, Jack Ham’s, Jack Tatum’s. You have to be reckless, be a wild man, go all out. Do your job and don’t worry about anything else.

Chicago Bears linebacker Lance Briggs gave us a little insight into this mindset today via his Twitter account. Briggs wrote:

"“When will we all accept responsibilty that football is such a violent sport. Injuries, concussions, grown men launching their bodies into one another. We knew it wasnt for the faint of heart when we decided to keep playing and loving football for all that it gives..good or bad.I cant even begin to tell you all the thoughts in my head upon impact with a ball carrier or opposing player.But I will say this, I may never have been in a bounty system..but theres a neverending bounty in my head to hit my opponent as hard as I possibly can over and over til i seperate him from the ball or he quits or cant continue. Its the violence and the imposing ur will unto another man the I have always loved. I knew the risks, we all do. I just hope that after its all said and done, after I have finished my tour…that I will be covered medically for life by the nfl for sacrificing my body and mind for however long I was able to give this sport I love so much my all.”"

That is some brilliant stuff from Briggs and it echoes everything that I am trying to get across. Don’t make too big of a deal out of this bounty issue. Let’s face it, football is a brutal sport and not only the players, but the fans love the big hits — bounty or no bounty. It is time that we all accept it.

To stay up to date on the latest from NFL Spin Zone, become a fan on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.