Rugby is a tougher physical game than NFL football cause of the lack of physical protection via pads and helmets but the game isn't played in the same way either. Rugby flows along however NFL stops and starts all the time with incomplete plays etc holding things up. I see NFL more like a game of Chess between the coaches who try to outsmart eachother with various plays.
I guess the money that NFL players make is due to the relative popularity of the sport within its domestic sphere as compared to other sports. You can't compare the money NFL players make with those who play real football (or soccer if you prefer). David Beckham got paid $36 million just to sign with LA Galaxy. Hes making about $1.5 miliion a week to stay with them as well.
Cooter: Rugby is really different from our AFL (Australian Rules Football). Aussie rules is popular here in Victoria (my state), South Australia, Western Australia and the Northern Territory.
AFL is is also a running game played with a smaller oval ball. Some complicated rules which I wont go into now lol. Best thing about the game is seeing a spectacular mark being taken (catching the ball while in flight to get a free uncontested kick), or some of the big hits taken (no protection worn either) I've uploaded a cpl of youtube videos of some of the AFL's best marks and hits hope you like
