It's not a issue of toughness. It's an issue of having a healthier perspective.
Lott cutting off a piece of his finger was not about how tough he was, it was about how obsessed he was. Obsession leads to irrational behavior.
Today's NFL players are just as tough, they just know that they shouldn't completely sacrifice their future health just for money and to entertain people. I'm glad they don't.
Anyone who thinks the current state of the game is marshmallow soft, was fed rocks all their life and was told they were marshmallows.
I doubt there is anyone on this site that could walk away from just 3 NFL tackles or blocks.
Less brutal does not equal non-brutal.