Downfall of the NFL!?

What is causing America's most popular sport to be on the decline? Why is the NFL losing views and ratings?

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From 1970 to 2000, the NFL witnessed its golden age; the age of hard nose defenses, the ground and pound run game, and the era where it was still legal to touch a quarterback. Stadiums filled to the brink with ecstatic fans, millions of viewers would tune in from home, parking lots boomed with tailgaters. Football was the central talking point of most small talk and casual conversation. Football was as much a part of the American culture as burgers and capitalism was. Unfortunately, this is not the NFL we know today, as views and ratings have been plummeting in recent years. The NFL’s decline can be pinned to a number of recent occurrences, including the anthem kneeling scandal, cases of domestic violence by the players, and controversial officiating.

In 2016, Colin Kaepernick silently knelt during the national anthem to protest systematic injustice and oppression of black people. Little did he know, this act would headline national news, even becoming a topic discussed by the President of the US. For weeks, one man’s silent protest became cause for a nationwide outrage, causing many to berate the well-meaning athlete. The act polarized viewers, causing conflict between those that saw it as disrespect to the flag/soldiers, and those that saw it as merely an act of protest against injustice towards racism and social injustice. The act had reverberating effects onto the NFL’s ratings and attendance, as many who were offended by the act, refused to support the NFL as a whole.

                             

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Recent cases of domestic abuse have ruined the public image of the NFL, with many seeing the league as a mob of thugs and criminals. The league was put under the microscope following the actions of Ray Rice in 2013 and has since been scrutinized multiple times for cases of domestic assault. Most recently, however, the actions of pro bowl running back Kareem Hunt, and repeated cases of abuse from 49ers star linebacker Reuben Foster, have put the league under serious fire for their lack of investigation and/or punishment of criminal acts by players. Kareem Hunt was neither investigated nor punished for striking a woman in a hotel lobby in February until just recently, and Reuben Foster, being suspended multiple times for cases of domestic abuse, was recently picked up by the Washington Redskins shortly after being released by the 49ers. The NFL’s lack of real, precedence towards handling domestic incidences has ravaged their facade, and lead many to stop watching entirely. 

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It’s no secret that the officiating in the NFL has been iffy at best in the last decade. Controversial officiating calls have enraged fans for years, leading some to believe there is bias among the league’s upper management. Just last year the incomplete pass call at the end of the Steelers and Patriots game in week 15 swayed the outcome of the game, if not the whole season. Lack of precedent for rules, like the Tuck Rule and Catch Rule, have wrecked the quality of the game for many fans and provoked many to quit viewing the sport.

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Despite the NFL’s increase in international popularity, the league has lost many viewers and ratings due to the officiating, its public image (administration of criminal actions by the players) and controversy over head trauma/concussion injuries. The league is not perfect and is working towards fixing its many issues (although they won’t get far if they keep Roger Goodell, whose answer to everything is a fine). The NFL has disappointed many fans with their actions/conduct and must find a solution, otherwise risking further decay of their fan base.

Do you think the NFL is on the decline? Drop a comment on whether you agree or disagree and let's discuss/debate!


DISCLAIMER: I AM IN NO WAY AFFILIATED WITH THE NFL AND NEITHER DO I OWN ANY OF THE IMAGES OR VIDEOS INCLUDED.