> Wearing protective helmets just ups the ante as players launch into each other with full force.

Agreed, but funny thing is the protection has gradually developed over time to limit injury. American football used to be played with no protection, then with very limited protection, leather helmets, pads. Then hard helmets, armored pads. Etc.

Kind of an arms race, as with increased protection, the hits keep getting harder.

Unintended consequences of trying to reduce harm.