[Tobra]

Originally Posted by stomachmonkey

You can't do modern Football without helmets and pads.

Today's NFL players are just too big, fast, and strong.

You'd have to slow the sport down considerably.

Interesting read.

Evolution of the NFL Player | NFL Football Operations

A big part of why they get the injuries they do is the protective equipment. For example, if you did not have a face mask, you would be much more circumspect about what you do with your head. All the gear gives you a sense of invincibility.