(Mybrotha.COM) - Congratulations to the NFL for finally and forcefully implementing a crackdown on unnecessary and superfluous helmet-to-helmet hits.

I've been playing, coaching, watching and/or writing about football for over 40 years and I've seen the game change drastically. A guard used to weigh 230 to 240 pounds. Now, all linemen are at 300 pounds. Most of today's missiles--pawning themselves off as linebackers--weighed in at 210 to 220. Now they are in the 240 to 250 range.

The athletes have gotten bigger, stronger and faster. Sure there were always the exceptional ones like sprinter Bob Hayes, and superman Jim Brown, and mean machine Sam Huff. But they were the exceptions.

The NFL saw their athletes getting bigger and stronger so they outlawed the horse collar and close-line hit to the neck and head. So this is a natural progression for a league trying to control a violent game.

I've had my bell rung so many times; I think that is what is wrong with me today. We had to play through all that. After all, if there wasn't any blood and you were able to walk after the cobwebs cleared, how could you tell anyone you were hurt?

With better medical practice and more history, it is a fact that helmet-to-helmet hits aid the onset of concussion syndrome and heightens the risk of premature senility, Alzheimer's and depression.

I was shocked when so many pundits wailed against the NFL's tightened rules that will include suspensions and hefty fines. Many said it would change the game, water down what the fans really like to see and place the players in a position where they will approach a hit not at full speed.

I think those are some pretty stupid retorts. Football is a violent game and people will continue to get their blocks knocked off and the sound of crashing shoulder pads make just as much noise as helmets banging together.

Unfortunately many of the NFL TV pundits, the athletes themselves, and some fans seem to be taking their cue from the era of the "big hit" that will make ESPN Plays of the Day. Almost every player wants to make that list and many of the fans always watch and go oooohhhhhhhh!.

Players have been encouraged by the highlight film and coaches cajole players to crush an opponent. I really believe the game can be contested without trying to knock another player out the game. Just make the tackle, get up and play on.

After all, I know the line between reality and video games is being skewed out of whack, but these are real human beings and anything that can make this violent game safer should be enacted.

Again, I applaud the NFL on its stance against the helmet-to-helmet hits. It was great to see the intense week of conversation after the league announced that it was fining three players as part of a plan to crack down on those who violate the league's safety rules. Yes, I understand that even as officials are stiffening penalties, critics are pointing out that the NFL and television networks have capitalized for years on the same kind of bone-crunching hits they are now condemning.

To that I say so what!! Everyone can change their direction if they see they might fall off a cliff. It is wise to reverse field and drive a different way.

That is why I watched the college and professional football scene with intent. And for the most part, it happened just I like thought it would. Game after game, defensive players were making a better effort to lead with their shoulder pads and pull up when a defenseless receiver clearly had no chance to catch a pass. And they begin to aim at a lower pad level on the quarterback too.

I love football, but I got no joy out of seeing my brother men Mohamed Massaquoi, Todd Heap and DeSean Jackson quivering, and knocked out on the ground from head hits. As fast and big as these men are, someone was due to get a broken neck or even killed in the 100 yard ring.

For once I agree with the suits!!

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