Is the NFL really concerned about the health of its players?
Recent NFL rule changes have many of the game’s biggest advocates now saying league has gone too far. Even Jerry Jones, owner and general manager of the Dallas Cowboys has criticized the changes. These rules make it the responsibility of the defender to avoid injuring the quarterback and open up a wide variety of ways to penalize the defense. The volume of roughing the passer penalties has doubled as a result, from 16 through three weeks of the season last year to 33 so far this year. Along with it, the ratings have increased by 0.7% over last year, and I expect that to only increase if more quarterbacks are saved from being injured by the rule.
While many fans may complain about the change making the game less exciting, I argue that in many cases, the new rule could transform a team from being unwatchable to prime-time. Comparing the three games before and after Aaron Rodgers broke his collarbone in week 6 of the 2017 season, the Green Bay Packer’s game attendance fell by over 9%, despite playing one more home game after he got injured than before. This hit that landed the Packers superstar quarterback on injured reserve would have been deemed illegal under the new rules, and may not have even taken place if the rules had been implemented a year earlier. However when another star player, but not their quarterback, Ty Montgomery injured his ankle in week 6 of 2015, attendance didn’t fall by even a point. For TV viewers, this difference is likely even more stark. NFL fans show up to watch their quarterback and the league has noticed.
I applaud the NFL for making the game more watchable and for any steps they take to protect the players. However rule changes to protect players that have less impact on the bottom line should be given a harder look. If the NFL is truly concerned about the health of all of its players, they should think about constructing more rules to protect the other positions. Finding a way to reduce the repeated blows to the head of offensive lineman who often retire with brain trauma would be a good start. I do not fault the NFL for profit-seeking, just for their false concern about the health and wellbeing of its players.
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