NFL Hot Tub Time Machine

What if professional football could turn back time? What if we could go back to the era when the game was more about the actual game, and less about politics, corporate sponsors, and trying to expand the brand "overseas"(don't even get me started on this)? What if Pete Rozelle still ran the league?

What if the new rules of free agency didn't exist? What if you could build a dynasty like the 49ers of the 80's, and the Cowboys of the 90's without having to worry about the salary cap tearing apart your team? Imagine the players you drafted staying on your team for their entire careers?

How about parity? Personally, I hate it, but what do I know; and this coming from a fan of a team who has seen almost two decades of losing! Parity - schmarity!

What if the NFL were still a 60/40 run vs. pass league? What if tight ends still knew how to block! Remember when running back by committee was unheard of? Could you imagine the look on Andrew Luck's face if he only got to throw the ball 25-30 times a game?

What If defensive sub packages were used 30 percent of the time, instead of over 60 percent of the time? What if 330 pound nose guards actually stayed on the field for all three downs? Imagine if defensive ends and outside linebackers weren't asked to drop into coverage?

What if the NFL didn't treat the quarterback as their own "China doll". What if a fumble was actually a fumble - no damn "tuck rule"? What if defensive backs were actually allowed to play football against wide receivers, instead of every ticky-tack foul being called? Imagine if a player actually makes a catch, reaches the ball over the goaline, and it's actually called a touchdown? What if instant replay could actually get a simple call correct? Hell, what if instant replay didn't exist?

What if the average working-class family could still get tickets to watch their team in the Super Bowl, instead of Mr. Yakamoto buying up 300 tickets for his bow-tie, horned-rimmed glasses wearing clients? What if a beer and a dog cost you just $4.50?

Can you imagine what it would be like if the game was still "pure" and "fun"?

For some of you in your teens and early 20's, this may be hard for you to answer, but for those who were fortunate enough to see the NFL rise in all of its glory, what would you like to see return to the game today?

This is your own Hot Tub Time Machine. Suppose you get to travel back to the 60's, 70's, 80's and even 90's when the game was much different than it is today. What would you like to see change about the current NFL?

What is it about the game today that pisses you off?