wonder if that would help the saints. i just watched a video of when the bengles did it, and they talked about how it helped establish a mindset for the players.
Having done that a few times in high school ball I do not doubt that it makes you tougher. I was a 140 pound WR and I got the crap kicked out of me, came home with bruises all over the place. I sure learned how to take a hit though.