Former Seahawks wide receiver Nate Burleson (2006-2009) said NFL rules changes designed to protect players are “getting close” to diminishing the game in which he and his football-playing family grew up and thrived.

Burleson, 31, was in his third season with the Detroit Lions went he broke his leg against Chicago in week 6. Back home in Seattle for rehab,  he attended the Sports Star of the Year event Jan. 26 at Benaroya Hall and stopped by the red carpet booth for a video chat with SPNW’s Art Thiel.

Burleson, who caught 418 passes in his 10-year NFL career with three teams, said he “likes getting hit” and has told defensive backs who have been penalized for overzealous tackles when he disagrees with the call.

Speaking of Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson, Burleson, who has never been accused of bashfulness on the field, said he was amazed at Wilson’s play: “I like it when players develop a character that is bigger than the game.”