👉 In American football, a "hardball" is a style of play where players are constantly hitting each other with their bodies and heads. The term originated in the 1960s when teams used to be known as "Hardknocks," which were teams that played without any equipment or weapons. The hardball style of play involves aggressive tackling, high contact rates, and a tendency for players to engage in dirty plays. It's often associated with the New York Giants, who are known