Have you ever had the chance to watch Arena League Football? It is much different from regular american football. Many rules that bind the NFL do not exist in the AFL. Such things like punts do not exist, and any field goal that does not make it is a ball in play. such rule changes make for a much more exciting game that involves more points and faster play. Chances are better to score when no punts are allowed. On fourth, you can go for it, or kick a field goal.
https://www.arenafootball.com/
I see it as a pick of hockey and football, so your perception is much like everyone elses. It is a much rougher game than NFL, its the fast pace and body checking of hockey in the general context of football. My team is Kansas City Brigade! Kind of a lame name in my book, but good news is, they are not that good, so a lame name is ok.
When I lived in Orlando, I followed Arena league football, because they had a pretty good team. I never did get the chance to attend one live, but watched a couple of games on TV. Personally, I prefer NFL style football, just because the game is slower and requires a bit more strategy. Arena league can get quite fast-paced, and while that is ok for some, I like my sports slow and calculated, eg baseball, soccer, NFL.