I've always been amazed how in especially at the NFL level that these men who behave like lunatic behemoths that only want to dismember somebody, turn into friends and admirers immediately following the game.
I think this is one element of the sport that is truly attractive to people. But it's also why I don't like the war and military or even gladiator metaphors used about the game. I've seen too many times how an opponent will call for medical help for a fallen player and kneel beside him until help comes. Or for an entire team of opponents to line up alongside a cart of an injured player being taken off and wishing him love and speedy recovery. That's not war; it's sport. These men are opponents for a few hours; not enemies.
It's truly great they (at least the vast majority of them) can keep it in perspective.
