The NFL is Becoming Unwatchable

Yesterday's game between the Vikings and Steelers should have been an exciting draw. Two teams fighting to stay alive, both franchises historically known, and big names on both sides of the ball in Cousins, Watt, Fitzpatrick, Claypool, Thielen, Barr, and Jefferson. So why did the game feel...bland? Actually, it sucked until the last 5 minutes of the game but by this time, I was checked out.

The constant barrage of commercials, 15 minute halftime show of nothing, and one sided score in the first half made me snooze through the game. I also want to preface, I love sports. I watch everything I possibly can but find myself checking out more and more as time passes. Maybe its the politics, maybe its the lack of wow, or maybe its the corporate interference but something is causing me to lose interest. Maybe it has been COVID that made me realize I want to spend my time doing something else. Sports are no longer an escape from reality that allows the brain to turn off and unwind after work.

This reality is seen by younger fan engagement. Sports are aging as their fan bases are all older. Younger fans want social media highlights and shit posts about how Jordan played against plumbers. There is no draw to get people outside of the 55 year old male watching sports. The demographics are set in stone with their current approach.

The NFL still has high ratings. Last night's game will be no exception, especially with 4 NBA games and a couple good college basketball games as their only competition. The money is pouring in so all is well that ends well. But there is a problem and it is glaring. Time for pro sports to wake up or go broke.

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