How does politics play a role in sports like the NFL?

I am always told to stay in my lane when I retweet something on Twitter about politics. Many of my followers want to just hear about football, I guess we are the escape from the mess of politics in the United States, but I thought I would break down why politics play a role in sports, and the impact it has.

Politics significantly impacts sports like the NFL in various ways, influencing everything from player activism to league policies and fan engagement. Here are several key areas where politics intersects with the NFL:

1. Player Activism and Social Justice

• Colin Kaepernick and the National Anthem Protests: In 2016, Colin Kaepernick began kneeling during the national anthem to protest police brutality and racial inequality. His actions sparked a nationwide debate on patriotism, free speech, and racial justice, leading to widespread player activism across the league. Many criticized him but he was willing to risk his entire career for his beliefs.
• Players’ Coalition: Formed by NFL players, this organization works to address social and racial justice issues. It has successfully lobbied for changes in legislation and community programs.

2. League Policies and Political Pressure

• National Anthem Policy: In response to the anthem protests, the NFL introduced a policy requiring players to stand if they are on the field during the anthem or remain in the locker room if they choose not to stand. This policy faced backlash from players, fans, and political figures, highlighting the tension between league rules and individual expression.
• Government Involvement: Political leaders often weigh in on NFL policies, with some advocating for patriotic displays and others supporting players’ rights to protest. These interactions can influence league decisions and public perception.

3. Broadcasting and Media Coverage

• Political Advertisements: The NFL’s broadcasting rights are highly valuable, attracting political advertisements during major games like the Super Bowl. These ads can spark controversy depending on their content and timing.
• Media Narratives: News outlets and commentators often frame NFL-related issues through political lenses, shaping public opinion and discourse. Coverage of player protests, for instance, varies widely across different media platforms.

4. Economic and Legislative Factors

• Tax Breaks and Stadium Funding: The NFL often lobbies for favorable tax treatments and public funding for stadiums. These efforts can lead to political debates over the appropriate use of taxpayer money.
• Labor Relations: The relationship between the NFL and the players’ union involves negotiations over collective bargaining agreements, which can be influenced by political and economic conditions.

5. Fan Engagement and Public Opinion

• Political Identity and Viewership: Fans’ political identities can affect their viewership and support for the NFL. Some fans boycotted games over the anthem protests, while others supported the players’ right to protest.
• Community Outreach: NFL teams and players often engage in community service and charitable activities, which can have political dimensions, particularly when addressing social issues like education and criminal justice reform.

6. International Relations

• Global Expansion: The NFL’s efforts to expand internationally involve navigating different political environments and cultural expectations. This includes organizing games in other countries and engaging with international fans and governments.

Conclusion

The intersection of politics and the NFL is complex and multifaceted, involving player activism, league policies, media coverage, economic interests, and fan dynamics. As societal issues evolve, the relationship between politics and the NFL will likely continue to be a significant aspect of the sport.

People have opinions, and even if you try to avoid politics when communicating with others, it is a real situation. What we witnessed the other day with a presidential nominee getting shot at is scary. NFL football players just like us will have opinions. Some will like them, some will hate them, but that will not take away the fact that someone shot at the former president.