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NFL: The Improbable Decline of America’s No. 1 Sport

By Peter Panacy

Apr 28, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; NFL commissioner Roger Goodell (left) and Connie Payton announce the number eight overall pick in the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft to the Chicago Bears at Auditorium Theatre. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 28, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; NFL commissioner Roger Goodell (left) and Connie Payton announce the number eight overall pick in the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft to the Chicago Bears at Auditorium Theatre. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 12, 2016; Landover, MD, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Antonio Brown (84) does a celebration dance in the end zone after scoring a touchdown against the Washington Redskins in the third quarter at FedEx Field. The Steelers won 38-16. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 12, 2016; Landover, MD, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Antonio Brown (84) does a celebration dance in the end zone after scoring a touchdown against the Washington Redskins in the third quarter at FedEx Field. The Steelers won 38-16. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /

Possible Causes

Sports Illustrated’s Andrew Perloff tried to come up with possible reasons why the NFL doesn’t quite seem as dominant anymore. He touched on how concussions have ruined the league’s image, officiating confusion, the Presidential election, national anthem protests and more.

All of these offer up some sort of explanation.

But there are a few which really stood out.

I need not go into Goodell’s reputation as one of the most disliked commissioners in professional sports. His decision making, especially in regards to player discipline, almost seems determined on his mood for the day.

Oh, and player controversies (see: kicker Josh Brown) only serve to drive a bigger wedge between the league and the fan base. Spygate, deflategate and whatevergate, anyone?

Back on track, the league is seemingly coming up with new ways to make the game, well, less fun.

The “No Fun League,” a moniker now assigned the NFL, hands out fines for wide receiver Antonio Brown’s touchdown celebration or running back Carlos Hyde’s arm flexing.

Football is an emotional sport. I’m no sociologist, but I have a hunch this generation doesn’t mind celebrations and a little smack talk from time to time. Heck, it makes the game interesting.

But that can’t be it. At least not all of it.