Dude, if you're playing LB in the NFL you are by definition a sociopath. If you're an LB in college worth his salt, you're an aspiring sociopath. Any great LB is cut from the cloth of Butkus/Lambert, LT and is psychologically motivated (i.e., enjoys) to physically punish the opposition any way legally possible. I just don't get where people come from on the too violent aspect. The rules set out what is safe and unsafe. The unnecessary contact rule is a subjective rule, and at best should be used sparingly if all other aspects of the play are within the bounds of rule book. There are rules for late hits, below the body contact, launching, spearing, hands to the face, tripping, leg kicks, horse collars, face masks, contact after stopped forward motion, down after first contact, etc.... The surest way to get seriously injured is not playing at 100%...just like Sherman waltzing across the field. I just don't have sympathy for a guy not paying attention and expecting somebody to take it easy on them.
