It was a predictable PR outcome for the NFL to not say a word in response to the overturn of the abortion law. The question was never a multiple choice. It was more of a false statement that the NFL would not say a word and hope no one noticed. Yes, it's true.
Even though the spine of the most popular sports league in America turned to sludge, people still took notice, including Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio, who went off on the league. Here is part of the post he wrote.
“The NFL likely prefers to exercise its right to remain silent on this issue because The Shield has become intertwined with notions of God and Country. And the lines between God and Country continue to blur, as our democracy teeters toward theocracy. As our democratic utopia veering farther into authoritarian dystopia.”
It's pretty damning when you consider that the company he works for is a business partner with the Shield. The popularity of the National Football League is so pervasive that it has fans on both sides of the aisle.
There is not much room for a gray area when it comes to taking a stand. Most of the players who supported women's rights did so timidly.
There are cases where abortion should be a right.
When he is one of the few football players of consequence to say anything at all, I won't rip him too much. Kyler Murray was the quarterback of the Arizona football team.
I don't know if I'd refer to him as a "Patriots star" like the website did, but he also voiced his support on the social networking site.
I am not bashing these players or the other players who spoke out. It is not possible to be universally loved while sharing your political views. Megan Rapinoe, a member of the USWNT, spoke out against the overturn of the abortion law.
For instance, take Burrow. He was one of the people horrified by the mass shooting in Uvalde, Texas.
Steve Kerr made a similar statement when he talked about gun violence, but I wouldn't put it in the same category. It is a start, and it is bolder than not saying anything in fear of offending fans.
Maybe we should outlaw these crazy guns instead of making them harder to get. "mass shootings" would be the response if you said "AR-15" and it was mentioned. It was refreshing to hear Burrow mention gun reform.
Did you notice what account shared that video? The NFL has its own account on the social networking site. It's true.
It is a huge ask to expect football players to speak about abortion rights, gun reform, or fight for police brutality in order to make a living. When the issues don't directly affect your daily life, and you don't have the backing of your employer, it's hard to risk a lucrative playing career.
This is what the National Football League will look like in the future. There is nothing to hide. The head of the league isn't going to take the blowback. It's as much of a stance to stay silent as it is to speak out. The way you say it will be politicized. They chose a side.
That is more than anyone can say about the National Football League.
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