The long pass, the punt return for a score, the game-winning field goal, the bone-crunching hits that make you cringe from the seat of your couch.  All these things make up one of the greatest games in America.  Just imagine if one of those things is taken away.  They are all crucial aspects of the game and are all enjoyed by those who watch football on a regular basis.  If one is taken away, the game would not be the same. 

Unfortunately, due to concussion and injury issues, the NFL has decided to levy fines and suspensions to defensive players who make hits in a way where they are springing forward or leading with their helmets.  To the league’s defense, the NFL rulebook does state such hits are illegal.  On the other hand, the rules have not been taken as seriously as they should have been, according to players.  The response in the Bears locker room is similar to locker rooms all around the league.  It seems players around the NFL have a hard time accepting the idea an off-field official will be making the call on what is a good football play and what isn’t.  “I think it’s all bullshit,"  says Chicago Bears cornerback Charles Tillman. "They’re suits. They’re making their own call.  We should just go out there and play two-hand touch.” 

Football is a physical game.  One does not have to be a fan or regular viewer of the game to know that.  Defensive players don’t hit to intentionally hurt other players.  They do it to save them from scoring or to knock the ball loose to set their team up for a better chance to win.  “What our coaches tell us is you got to separate the player from the ball,” adds Tillman.  Up until the rule change on October 19^th, NFL.com was selling pictures of the hits by James Harrison, Dunta Robinson, and Brandon Meriweather.  Those hits also racked up fines totaling 175,000 dollars.

  “To get fined 50,000 dollars for making a good football play is unheard of,” fellow Chicago defensive back Chris Harris said Wednesday.  He is just one of many defenders who love making a living playing the game of football the way it is supposed to be played.  “This is football.  Nobody’s making us play this game.  We all chose to play this game.”   

Players and crowds across the country get pumped up when their team makes a bone-crushing hit to save the game.  You have two choices as a defender when a catch or run is made.  The first choice is to do the right thing and put someone on their back and tackle like you are paid to do as a defensive player in the National Football League.  The other option is losing,  or potentially losing if you let an offensive player run by you.  “I’m all for playing safely.  You want them to feel you.  I want them to think twice they come across the middle,” states Harris.  Is that a statement that makes you think he is out to get someone injured and potentially end their career? Absolutely not.  That sounds like someone who has made their name playing the game of football and hitting ball carriers no matter who they are. 

The list of defensive backs, ends and linemen over the decades who have made their name hitting people reads like an All-Pro team.  Can you imagine if they had to second-guess themselves every time they made a hit?  One notable Chicago defensive group known as the Monsters of the Midway may have never existed.  Charles Tillman said, “ We gotta stop calling ourselves that if we can’t hit nobody.”  A lot of nicknames wouldn’t be around and players like Joe Greene, Ray Lewis, and Ronnie Lott may never have been known to fans of any generation. 

The Miami Dolphins “No-Name Defense” would have never come to fruition.  The Pittsburgh Steelers “Steel Curtain Defense” may have never earned their nickname or notoriety.  What would the NFL be like without defensive minded players?  College and high school linebackers may not have anyone to look up to and model their game after if pros in their respective positions can’t carry out their jobs properly.  If there was ever a time the NFLPA was needed, the time is now or else these rules and boundaries set up as to how and where you can hit people will quickly earn the National Football League another nickname-the No Fun League.