CROSSWORD The NFL History and NFL Players

What is Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE), and how does it relate to NFL Players?

Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) is a progressive neurodegenerative brain disease caused by repetitive hits to the head. Symptoms don’t appear until years after the injuries and can worsen over time, potentially leading to dementia in retired NFL players. The disease’s origins trace back to “pugilistic dementia” in boxers in 1928, but it became clear that it also affected athletes in other collision sports. CTE gained prominence in the early 2000s with the diagnosis of former NFL player Mike Webster, who experienced severe mood swings, depression, and dementia. A 2017 study by neuropathologist Ann McKie found CTE in 110 out of 111 former NFL players whose brains were donated for research.

The most common cause of death among those with mild CTE was suicide, exemplified by former New England Patriots star Aaron Hernandez. The research suggests that behavioral and mood issues are prevalent in individuals with CTE, regardless of severity. Young athletes, particularly those playing tackle football before age 12, are at risk for earlier onset of cognitive and behavioral issues. Despite scientific evidence linking football to CTE, NFL officials and college coaches have faced criticism for questioning the research and the implications for NFL players. Though the league has introduced concussion protocols, reduced full-pad practices, and changed rules to limit head-on collisions.

How has the NFL evolved from its origins to become a dominant force in American sports?

The National Football League (NFL) began in 1920 as the American Professional Football Association (APFA) with ten teams. It adopted the name NFL in 1922. In its early years, professional football struggled for popularity compared to college football, with low salaries and unstable teams. A significant turning point was the 1958 NFL Championship game, “The Greatest Game Ever Played,” which became the most-watched sporting event in TV history and laid the foundation for the NFL’s presence on television.

The emergence of a rival, the American Football League (AFL) in the 1960s, led to a competitive bidding war for NFL players and TV rights. To avoid bankruptcy, the two leagues merged in 1966, culminating in the creation of the Super Bowl in 1967, which initially served as the championship game between the AFL and NFL before their full merger in 1970.

This merger, combined with factors like nationally televised games, set game schedules, improved safety equipment, and hefty NFL player salaries, propelled the NFL to become the most popular sport in America by the 1960s. The league also expanded its reach by actively turning “cost centers” like the NFL Draft where new NFL players potentially enter the League and Combine into major media properties, further boosting revenue and engagement.

What is the financial structure of the NFL, and how do teams generate revenue?

The NFL operates as a unique $15 billion business, functioning as a trade association representing its 32 for-profit member clubs. Its financial success is primarily driven by massive media and broadcasting rights, which account for 50-60% of total revenue. The league’s major TV partners pay billions annually for the rights to broadcast games. A crucial aspect of the NFL’s financial model is its extensive national revenue-sharing system. Roughly two-thirds of the league’s operating income (around $8.5 billion annually) is split equally among all 32 teams. In 2018, teams received over $255 million each from this national revenue. This ensures competitive balance and financial stability, allowing small-market teams to compete with those in larger markets.

Beyond the national revenue share, teams generate “local revenue” through:

• Ticket sales and stadium attendance: A significant portion of game-day revenue, particularly for teams with new or upgraded stadiums.
• Corporate sponsorships: Teams secure local sponsorship deals with brands, ranging from jersey logos to stadium naming rights (e.g., MetLife Stadium for the Giants and Jets, worth an estimated $19 million/year for 25 years). In 2017-2018, NFL sponsorship revenue totaled over $1.3 billion.
• Non-NFL events: Stadiums are rented out for concerts, live events, and tours.
• Merchandising and licensing: Sales of team apparel and memorabilia, although a portion of this is also shared at the league level.

Expenses for teams include NFL player costs (the largest component, regulated by a salary cap, making up about 60-70% of a team’s total revenue), stadium upkeep, marketing, and general administrative costs. While some teams like the Dallas Cowboys and New England Patriots generate hundreds of millions in operating income, others, like the Detroit Lions, have much smaller profits due to large overhead costs.

How does the NFL’s governance and decision-making process work?

The NFL’s governance model is unique and highly decentralized compared to a typical corporation. While a commissioner (Roger Goodell since 2006) serves as the public face and chief executive of the league, he ultimately answers to the 32 individual team owners, who hold significant power. Decisions, especially those involving the league’s overall direction, major rule changes, or significant financial deals, require consensus or majority buy-in from the ownership group. Committees composed of owner representatives discuss specific areas like digital media, compensation, or sponsorships. At annual meetings, the full board of owners then approves plans.

The commissioner’s role is often described as a moderator and consensus-maker, navigating the diverse interests and strong egos of the billionaire owners. He also handles the NFL players discipline and works to protect the league’s brand image, as seen in controversial incidents. While the league office manages shared revenue and sets league-wide strategy, the day-to-day operations and team-specific revenue generation largely rest with the individual clubs. The league also provides consultative services to teams to help them improve their local revenue streams.

What is the NFL’s collective bargaining agreement (CBA), and why is it significant?

The Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) is the foundational document that governs the relationship between the NFL and the NFL players, represented by the NFL Players Association (NFLPA), which functions as a union. This agreement outlines crucial aspects such as the salaries of NFL players, how income agreements will escalate over time, and the revenue share players receive from the league. Historically, NFL players received around 45-47% of overall league revenue, a percentage that increased to nearly 50% with the introduction of the 17-game season. This mandated revenue share ensures that teams spend a certain amount on player salaries, promoting competitive balance across the league.

Unlike some other sports leagues where player contracts are largely guaranteed, the NFL’s CBA includes a hard salary cap and does not guarantee NFL players money, especially in cases of injury. This distinction, combined with larger rosters (53 men in the NFL vs. 15 in the NBA), means a significant portion (60-65%) of NFL players are on minimum contracts. Consequently, the NFLPA plays a vital role in negotiating on behalf of these “lunch pail guys” to ensure benefits, healthcare, and long-term care post-retirement.

The CBA also covers other aspects like HGH testing frequency and disciplinary issues, granting the commissioner power to enforce rules to protect the league’s integrity and brand image. The negotiation of the CBA every 10 years is a contentious but critical process, as its successful resolution is essential for securing long-term media deals, which are the league’s primary revenue source.

What are some of the most notable dynasties and iconic NFL players in Super Bowl history?

The Super Bowl, created after the AFL-NFL merger in 1966, quickly became a cultural phenomenon, evolving from a championship game into a week-long event with massive viewership and highly anticipated halftime shows and commercials. Throughout its history, several teams have established dynasties:

• Miami Dolphins (early 1970s): Achieved the NFL’s only perfect season in 1972, finishing 17-0 and winning Super Bowl VII.
• Pittsburgh Steelers (1970s): Dominating the decade, they won four Super Bowl titles in six years (1974, 1975, 1978, 1979) with a team featuring nine Hall of Fame players.
• San Francisco 49ers (1980s): Led by legends Joe Montana and Jerry Rice, they won four Super Bowls, often with their “West Coast offense.”
• Dallas Cowboys (early 1990s): Nicknamed “America’s Team,” they won three Super Bowls with their “triplets” Troy Aikman, Emmitt Smith, and Michael Irvin.
• New England Patriots (2000s-2010s): Under the leadership of Tom Brady and coach Bill Belichick, they became the most successful dynasty, winning six Super Bowls (2001, 2003, 2004, 2014, 2016, 2018), including an unprecedented five in a 14-year span.
• Kansas City Chiefs (2020s): Led by quarterback Patrick Mahomes, they are the current reigning dynasty, making four Super Bowl appearances and winning three championships since 2019 (2019, 2023, 2024).

Iconic NFL players who defined their positions and left a lasting impact include:

• Quarterbacks: Tom Brady (7 Super Bowl wins, most NFL playoff wins, oldest and youngest Super Bowl MVP), Joe Montana, Peyton Manning, Johnny Unitas.
• Running Backs: Barry Sanders (elusive runner), Jim Brown (dominant, powerful runner), Walter Payton (“Sweetness”).
• Wide Receivers: Jerry Rice (holds virtually every major receiving record, 3 Super Bowls).
• Defensive Players: Lawrence Taylor (revolutionary edge rusher, MVP winner), Ray Lewis (iconic linebacker), Mean Joe Green (dominant defensive tackle), Deion Sanders (“Prime Time” cornerback, two Super Bowls).

As of 2025, the New England Patriots and Pittsburgh Steelers hold the record with six Super Bowl wins each, followed by the Dallas Cowboys and San Francisco 49ers with five each. Twelve NFL teams have never won a Super Bowl, with four of them (Cleveland Browns, Detroit Lions, Houston Texans, Jacksonville Jaguars) never even reaching the big game.

What are the current challenges and controversies facing the NFL?

The NFL, despite its immense popularity and financial success, faces several modern challenges and ongoing controversies:

• Player Health and Safety: Concerns over concussions and long-term brain damage (CTE) remain paramount. While the league has introduced protocols (independent neurotrauma consultants), helmet advancements, and rule changes to reduce high-risk plays, critics argue these measures are insufficient or reactive. There’s also a broader decline in youth participation in tackle football, though the direct link to CTE concerns versus other factors (like the rise of esports) is debated.
• Officiating and Game Integrity: Frequent complaints about inconsistent calls, perceived biases, and the slow pace of technology improvements in officiating lead to frustration among fans and teams. Rule changes, often aimed at safety, can also be met with resistance from traditionalists.
• Social Justice and Diversity: Player protests, most notably Colin Kaepernick kneeling during the national anthem to highlight police brutality and racial injustice, deeply divided fans and raised questions about the league’s public relations responses versus genuine change. The NFL also faces scrutiny for slow progress in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, particularly in leadership and coaching roles.
• Financial Pressures and Access: Increasing ticket prices, streaming costs, and subscription packages risk alienating traditional fans. The escalating value of franchises also makes ownership exclusive to only the wealthiest individuals and private equity groups, potentially challenging the traditional ownership model.
• Mental Health and Player Pressure: The immense pressures on athletes, from public scrutiny to pre-draft stress, are increasingly recognized, and the league is slowly beginning to address player mental health.
• Scandals and Legal Issues: The league has faced numerous high-profile controversies, including workplace misconduct scandals (e.g., Washington Commanders), and issues of competitive integrity like “Deflategate” and “Bountygate,” which resulted in significant suspensions and fines, impacting the league’s reputation.
• Global Expansion and Identity: Efforts to expand internationally, with games in Europe and Mexico, challenge the balance between the sport’s American identity and building a global fanbase, requiring navigation of logistical and cultural hurdles.

How is the NFL planning for future growth and adapting to changing media consumption habits?

The NFL is actively pursuing a public goal of reaching $25 billion in revenue by 2027, from its current $15 billion. Key strategies for this growth and adaptation include:

• Continued Media Rights Expansion: Leveraging the “step function” growth of TV deals, the NFL continues to secure lucrative multi-year contracts with major broadcast partners (CBS, Fox, NBC, ESPN, Amazon). The league’s strength lies in its “appointment viewing” nature, making it highly valuable in an era of declining linear TV viewership.
• Digital Media and Streaming: The NFL is expanding its presence on digital platforms, including streaming some games live online and partnering with streaming services (Paramount+, Peacock, Hulu). While a fully direct-to-consumer (D2C) subscription model (like an “NFL Netflix”) would be a massive shift, the league is exploring licensing rights to D2C operators to maintain partnerships and leverage existing infrastructure.
• Monetizing “Cost Centers”: The NFL excels at transforming internal operations into revenue-generating media properties. Events like the NFL Draft and the NFL Scouting Combine, once just operational costs, are now massive, nationally televised events with significant advertising and sponsorship revenue.
• Sports Betting: The legalization of sports betting presents a new, high-margin revenue stream. The NFL is actively sanctioning and partnering with sports betting entities, aiming to grow this from hundreds of millions to potentially billions in revenue.
• International Expansion: The league sees massive opportunities in growing its global audience, particularly in markets like the UK, Germany, Mexico, and potentially Asia (China, Japan, Korea, India). This involves international TV rights, consumer products, and potentially expanding development leagues like the former NFL Europa.
• Enhanced Fan Engagement: The NFL aims to deepen its direct relationship with fans, for example, through its fantasy football app. The league recognizes the need to appeal to younger demographics (where the average NFL fan age is higher than for other sports) by being present on platforms like Snapchat, Twitter, and Twitch.
• Technology Integration: The NFL is exploring the use of AI for predicting plays, enhancing “next-gen stats” for broadcasts, and potentially even tracking players with AI software or putting microphones on every player to enhance the fan experience. Automated spotting via 8K cameras is also being introduced to reduce delays and improve officiating accuracy.

The league’s ongoing challenge is to balance tradition with innovation, ensuring player safety while maintaining the physical intensity that draws many fans, and adapting its product for evolving media consumption without sacrificing its core identity.