The NFL is inching closer to the 2025 kickoff. Teams have reloaded with talent in hopes of becoming contenders and dethroning the reigning champions, the Philadelphia Eagles. The league remains the most-watched in the country, but there are always warning signs we must anticipate before the action begins.
Some of these issues are glaringly obvious, while others fly under the radar – yet all deserve attention.
Hate always pays dividends
The NFL doesn’t need to manufacture more viewership. Just last year, the league averaged 17.5 million viewers – a staggering figure, though still down 2% from the previous season.
1. Hating always works
Here’s where it gets interesting. Hating a team or a specific player creates that drama – that intrigue – which keeps audiences glued to the season. Take the New England Patriots as an example: perennial winners, led by arguably the most iconic player in history, Tom Brady. Accused of cheating, of manipulating footballs (deflategate), and of displaying arrogance – they became, without debate, the league’s favorite villains. Does anyone really doubt it?
Today, which team could possibly rise to that level of villainy? It’s hard to think of one that unifies what New England once embodied under Brady and Belichick. Let’s review a few candidates. Dallas Cowboys? Hmm, unlikely – they haven’t won anything in decades. The Chiefs? Just because Taylor Swift is dating Kelce? Philadelphia? Nah. See? There isn’t one.
2. Diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives losing momentum
In recent years, the league’s efforts on diversity, equity, and inclusion appear to have slowed. A clear regression has taken place in these areas, and there are many people who aren’t fond of such initiatives taking place in the NFL.
While some expect a renewed and genuine concern on this front, there are others who care only about watching the games – steering clear of these sensitive topics altogether.
3. Soaring costs to watch the full season
It’s no longer just about having cable to enjoy NFL games – now there are multiple streaming services with exclusive rights. Year after year, the total cost to watch the full NFL season keeps climbing.
Although people tend to adapt to these changes, they still feel the financial strain of subscribing to both cable and streaming apps. This could become a real issue, potentially causing a drop in viewership.
4. Officials bring more doubts than clarity
In recent seasons, we’ve seen officials making egregious mistakes in key matchups. According to Football Zebras – a highly respected source covering NFL referees – three officials were recently demoted back to the college ranks.
It’s become evident that referees are falling behind the pace of today’s highly technological game. They struggle to keep up with the speed of play and are often overrun by the demands of real-time decision-making.
5. Excessive ambition from the league
The NFL intends to extend the regular season to 18 games – a move that could result in excessive wear and tear on players, who sacrifice their bodies every week. Injuries, fatigue, and the overexploitation of physical performance could lead to serious consequences.
Perhaps the league will continue to post record-breaking numbers, but the real question is: what do the players think?
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