The fans actively embraced thuggery for some years.
Recall the Steelers and Raiders teams of yore, with their hit squads taking out key opponents by causing intentional injuries. Late hits, unnecessary roughness, fights on the field.
The league belatedly stopped it, but that was mostly due to pressure FROM OUTSIDE OF THE LEAGUE.
The owners think this will fly because there has always been a cadre within the fan base that embraces thuggery.
The tipping point has been passed though.
Die, NFL.
I suspect so. With the issue of concussions and other injuries, a lot of folks were already wondering if their boys should play football. Now that the thugs are writing the rules, it's another reason to stay away. What parent wants to participate and/or watch law-abiding, decent, patriotic people bullied by thugs?