Airing of Grievances: Everything Wrong With the NFL
In this episode of Locked Up Sports, I'm airing my full list of grievances with the NFL. From the league's nonstop push toward an 18th regular-season game, to a Pro Bowl flag football product that's completely unwatchable, to a league that keeps telling us it “cares about player safety” while chasing billions of dollars from networks and streaming companies.
The NFL dominates television ratings, but at what cost?
Oversaturation. Player burnout. A watered-down product. And a league that seems more focused on the next TV deal than the long-term health of the game.
- Quick welcome and episode overview
- Today we’re breaking down the biggest issues confronting the NFL:
- The league’s apparent greed
- Rumors and pushback on an 18-game season
- Player safety concerns
- The ever-changing Pro Bowl — now flag football
The Perception of Greed in the NFL
Many fans believe the NFL is prioritizing money over tradition and fan experience — especially with talk of more games and increased commercialization.
- Commentary from fans online and social media about the league “being too greedy.”
- How this perception influences ratings, fan loyalty, and long-term engagement.
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2. The 18-Game Season Debate
- Background: The league expanded to 17 games in 2021 — now owners and some analysts want 18.
- NFL ownership and executives have discussed adding another game, potentially replacing a preseason game, but nothing has been formally negotiated yet.
- The NFL Players Association (NFLPA) has repeatedly said players don’t want an 18th game and have “no appetite” for expanding the season, largely due to safety and health concerns.
- Potential financial motivations behind the push for longer seasons and more TV content.
3. Player Safety – A Central Concern
- Why players and many fans push back against a longer season:
- Increased physical wear and tear
- Short average NFL careers make extra games risky
- Injury risk traveling for international games.
- Former players and analysts have tied safety concerns directly to scheduling demands, arguing its counter to the league’s stated “player safety” priorities.
4. The Pro Bowl & Flag Football Format
- The Pro Bowl has shifted from a traditional tackle game to a flag football exhibition during Super Bowl week.
- Discussion among fans and critics about whether this change undermines its credibility. Some call it a joke or a gimmick — others see it as progress.
- The NFL is also tying its promotion of flag football into future Olympics exposure, pushing narrative of growth at the cost of traditional football feel.
- Debate: Is this evolution or a dilution of the sport?
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5. What Fans and Players Are Saying
- Players acknowledge benefits of flag football (less injury risk) and enjoy lighter formats, but many feel disconnected from the core game.
- Fans often express frustration over shallow spectacle, poor engagement, and the loss of seriousness.
- Player safety vs entertainment value — what should the league prioritize?
6. Takeaways & Personal Perspective
- Are these issues symptoms of necessary evolution or too much change for profit?
- Do fans want more football, or better football?
- Is the NFL balancing tradition with innovation, or losing identity?
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