If Hank Williams, Jr. was still performing in the open for Monday Night Football, he might be asking you this: Are you ready for some kinder, gentler football?

Like it or not, playing nicer is a continuing trend in the American gridiron sport — in both its NCAA and NFL forms.

As the college and pro honchos endeavor to make their sport even safer, some rather drastic rule changes have been added once again this year.