Fewer kids are playing tackle football. Could flag be the future for the NFL?

Jan 12, 2024
The risk of brain injury weighs on participation. Sports writer Dave Sheinin says there’s logic in an eventual move to a safer game.
With youth participation in tackle football dropping, flag football presents a new opportunity.
Patrick Smith/Getty Images

Fantasy football’s game plan: recruit more women

Nov 9, 2023
More women are playing fantasy sports this year, but the industry is still dominated by men and likely to stay that way.
Blade Cristobal (bottom right) poses with two of her friends and fantasy football competitors at their league's draft party.
Photo Courtesy of Blade Cristobal

The NFL draft is designed to promote parity in the league. That provides an incentive to lose on purpose.

Apr 28, 2022
The worst team in last year's league gets first pick from the new crop of players turning pro.
Former Miami Dolphins' head coach Brian Flores of the Miami Dolphins alleges that team’s owner, Stephen Ross, offered nearly $100,000 for every game the team lost in 2019. The NFL is investigating the allegations.
Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images

Fake crowds are becoming ubiquitous and a bit more realistic

Sep 25, 2020
Faux fan sounds can cue viewers to pay attention when they're not completely focused on the game.
Cardboard cutouts of fans at a Los Angeles Dodgers and San Francisco Giants game in July.
Harry How/Getty Images

Former NFL player Marcellus Wiley on the economic realities of football careers

Oct 24, 2018
The game lifted him out of poverty, but he doesn't want his son to play.
Marcellus Wiley says he went through the rigors of football “fueled by necessity. I needed the money, I needed the opportunity, but my son won't.” Above, he plays defensive lineman for the San Diego Chargers.
Stephen Dunn/Getty Images

Former NFL player Marcellus Wiley on the economic realities of football careers

Oct 24, 2018
The game lifted him out of poverty, but he doesn't want his son to play.
Marcellus Wiley says he went through the rigors of football “fueled by necessity. I needed the money, I needed the opportunity, but my son won't.” Above, he plays defensive lineman for the San Diego Chargers.
Stephen Dunn/Getty Images

NFL contracts have eye-popping figures but…

Sep 3, 2018
The pro football regular season starts on Thursday. In the past couple of weeks alone, we’ve seen the National Football League’s elite players sign contracts worth hundreds of millions of dollars. But it’s not guaranteed that the players will actually receive all that money.

For public good, not for profit.

The NFL draft is a business all its own

Apr 27, 2018
The football rookie draft is expected to bring $100 million in economic activity.
The AT&T Stadium in Arlington, TX is the site of this year's NFL draft. 
Andy Uhler/Marketplace

The NFL vs. Trump: Can you be fired for a peaceful protest?

Sep 25, 2017
President Trump called on the NFL to fire players who did not stand during the national anthem.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Wide Receivers Mike Evans #13, and DeSean Jackson #11, take a knee during the national anthem before the game against the Minnesota Vikings on September 24, 2017 at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. 
Hannah Foslien/Getty Images

NFL gives up tax-exempt status

Apr 28, 2015
A little more money for the government, less transparency about executive pay.