I hear europeans bragging about how they play a tougher version of football than the NFL players. I would love to see one of those big mouths try to take a hit in the NFL at full speed.
I hear europeans bragging about how they play a tougher version of football than the NFL players. I would love to see one of those big mouths try to take a hit in the NFL at full speed.
It depends how you define 'toughness'. Because running around basically non-stop for 80 minutes and taking some heavy impact for that entire time is not easy.
That said, the intensity of the hits is nothing like as severe as NFL, mainly due to the fact that the game is so stop-start. It allows the athletes to not only be far heavier, but to also tailor their training around explosiveness more or less neglecting any CV work.
I'm a European, and I'm well aware that the NFL has far superior athletes than the best Rugby players (Southern Hemisphere teams included)in just about every sphere. It scares me to think of what kind of a rugby team the US could produce from those guys. I don't, however, think that they're necessarily any 'tougher'.
Agreed, I think there are different definitions of toughness. I had this same argument with a friend one day. He was bragging about how this Rugby player could beat the crap out of anyone in the NFL. I can not believe anyone in the world, not trained to brawl, could take a guy like Brian Urlacher or Ray Lewis in a fight. I mean, you know they are juiced to the gills and athletic specimens.
I still hold pound for pound NFL players could destroy international Rugby players.
NFL is a far more violent game them International Rugby Union, the NFL players use the helmet as a weapon. If you are not wearing a helmet you are far less likely to use your head as a weapon.
Having said that, International Rugby players{All Blacks} are in far better shape overall then NFL players. Many offensive lineman I would suggest are not in shape at all. Of course there are exceptions but overall International Rugby Union players are in better shape then NFL players.
Tougher ? who knows, depends on your definition.
NFL players often only have to do one thing. Either run with the ball, throw the ball, catch the ball, kick the ball or cuddle a large black dude.
I don't get why the black dude cuddlers get paid so much.
The black cuddlers get paid so well because they are every bit as important as any other player on the field. Without pressuring the quarterback a defense sucks. Without giving the QB time to throw or opening holes for the running back the offense sucks.
I think alot of the linemen are way better athletes than most are given credit for. For weighing 300+ pounds those guys are quick and have amazing body control.
Rugby players are tougher than NFL players. A decent rugby player would woop the hell out of the best NFL player in a cage fight.
I think you guys never seen an rugby impact.....No pussy cushion uniforms and helmets.....
here you go, decide for yourself
nfl guys would be "tough" for the first 2 min - then they would be hauled off of the field.
..ever seen some of those Maori chaps or the Sth pacific lads.....those are big boys.....