I think you are correct, and I’ve noticed the same thing in the NHL. My personal theory is that there has been such an increase in money that it’s changed who is in the league and what their motivations are.
Mid-low level roster guys in the NFL weren’t paid that much even in the 90s and definitely in the 70s/80s. You had to really enjoy bashing into people back then to stick around. It attracted a certain type of person. Now you can be a middle of the road journeyman linebacker and make generational wealth.
I still enjoy it, but it’s just different.