As HTS121 stated, these types of plays were accepted and occurred on a regular basis. Now HOF players like Dick Butkus (Bears), Tommy Nobis (Falcons), Ray Nitschke (Packers), Jack Tatum (Raiders), Sam Huff (Giants) would be suspended and fined on a regular basis. That said, the "average" career of an NFL player back in the day (50's through the 70's) was 3-5 years.