Two things-
1- I expect you to apologize to me. I’ll tell you why later when I think of the reason. (Not that there needs to be a reason, really.)
2- I get what you’re saying, but this is more of a “good of the brand” deal. And it’s not a football specific thing. Companies make blue collar workers wear steal toe boots and other such protective gear. When we’re talking about employement, freedom of choice is tempered by the freedom of the company to enact rules for their employees. He still has the freedom to not play football and lose millions of dollars. He’s shown he’s not willing to stand by that threat. Now, if Uncle Sam came round to my back yard and told my pickup game that we had to wear helmets or else we’d be fined or arrested, you can bet your maple syrupy sweet ass that there’d be a revolution right then and there (likely a short one, as we’re fat, slightly intoxicated, wanna be “operators”.)
I imagine in Canada if the Mounties came round and ordered you to do something you’d thank them kindly and offer to buff their Sam Browne while you’re at it...