I’m not a die-hard NFL guy, but I really enjoy the unfolding drama of each season, as teams struggle to get the coveted Lombardi Trophy. It’s one of the main things that helps me say goodbye to the warm weather of summer each year. And last season was fun. The NFC Championship was heartbreaking to me as a Vikings fan, but it was good to see the Eagles, led by a Christian coach and a Christian quarterback, at least interrupt the annoying Patriots dynasty and get some new blood on the Lombardi Trophy.
But I’ve become really disappointed in the NFL the past couple of years. At first, there was the issue of concussions and other medical conditions that occur to players because of what happens on the field (I was told as a kid that football players don’t live nearly as long). People should really read or watch League of Denial, appropriately titled because it seems the NFL’s main PR machine has downplayed, given lip service, or downright denied the medical impacts of football on their main money-makers (the players), even as research stacks up. Despite an ethical cost, this helps them make more money.
And there’s also the whole issue of kneeling at the flag. The silence and seeming confusion in the NFL authorities’ response is telling. Now, I’m not going to take a political side here, but it should be pointed out that the national anthem protests (begun by Colin Kaepernick), did cause a serious drop in the NFL’s TV ratings in 2016. The NFL authorities and the team owners had more than ample opportunity to make a statement that might even start a crucial conversation about race issues, free speech, respect and accountability for police officers, etc. in a country so divided that you can’t even eat a chicken sandwich without being political. Such conversations are difficult but very rewarding, but the NFL leadership didn’t pursue them. Not a single coach or team owner sought out Colin Kaepernick (while other players without his charity, integrity and football skills play in his stead), and the NFL leaders have implemented a new policy that forbids kneeling during the national anthem, punishable by fine. Perhaps, in their view, this new policy will brush the issue under the proverbial rug and restore TV ratings. Despite an ethical cost, this helps them make more money.
I’m detecting a theme, here.
I have several friends who are boycotting the NFL, and I totally understand. I’m willing to boycott the NFL, but what change would it bring? I don’t think it’s right that the NFL makes the money it does with the methods it employs, but it’s such a massive entity with such a following.
And football is fun to watch, too. Basketball and hockey games are fast-paced and intense, and baseball and soccer games seem almost lethargic, but football games are just the right pace of watchability. This isn’t about politics or patriotism. These are questions I have about a corporation who has arguably limited free speech, perpetuated socio-political division, and sacrificed the physical health of its employees, all seemingly in the pursuit of further profit. As Christians, how do we wrestle with that?
So, what do we do?
