They used to play without padding. That’s why Johnny Unitas, one of the most revered American Football players, was so physically damaged after his career. From

They used to play without padding. That’s why Johnny Unitas, one of the most revered American Football players, was so physically damaged after his career. From Wikipedia: “Toward the end of his life, Unitas brought media attention to the many permanent physical disabilities that he and his fellow players suffered during their careers before heavy padding and other safety features became popular. Unitas himself lost almost total use of his right hand, with the middle finger and thumb noticeably disfigured from being repeatedly broken during games.” I feel like head trauma has become disproportionately more of long-term physical damage from the sport, but I can’t back that up.