why american footballers are just as tough as rugby men

Often I get comments from Kiwi folks, meaning men, that think American football players are not as tough as rugby players because they wear pads. I don't argue, I just agree that rugby men are tough as nails, just watch a international level game. But I do point out that American football is more violent because of the size and speed of the players. And the players manage to walk away from absolutely and incredibly violent collisions. Collisions so hard that no amount of pads will help. Here is one for example. Thankfully the guy that was carted off the field was fine, albeit a bit sore the next morning.