There may be a *little* of that El, but I think you're underestimating how much more violent the sport is now. Not only (as Ryman or someone else referenced) are players size and musculature outpacing the ability of their joints and tendons to support them, but the speed, violence, and sheer mass involved in collisions is exponentially greater than anything players in the 70's and prior every experienced. The NFL is close to creating athletes who's size, strength, and speed put the game itself at risk due to safety concerns. I've beaten this drum before, but without major changes to the sport, on-the-field deaths are probably inevitable. A bad hit is just as potentially dangerous as a motor vehicle accident. No surprise we are seeing more horrific injuries and if the league doesn't figure out ways to better protect players, they put the sport at risk as players and fans start to ask if it is worth the potential cost.