When I first heard the National Football League was going to start playing (and nationally broadcasting) games on Thursdays, it made a lot of sense. The league had dominated Sunday TV ratings my entire life, why not let that popularity spill into a prime-time spot in the middle of the week? After all, Monday Night Football has been a ludicrously profitable staple of the NFL since 1970. Making the decision easier was a 1961 anti-trust ruling that prohibited the NFL from airing games on Fridays or Saturdays.
So as a 14-year-old in 2006, the Thursday Night Football creation seemed like a win for everyone involved. The league would happily collect more money, the fans would happily enjoy more nights of football and even if the players had a shorter week of preparation, they got a few extra days of recovery, too.
AP Photo: Philadelphia Eagles receiver Jason Avante catches a touchdown pass from Michael Vick during a football game in Philadelphia on Thursday, Sept. 19, 2013.
That line of reasoning may seem flawed now, but it reflected public sentiment at a time when information about the long-term effects of head injuries was just starting to leak out.
Now, on the heels of a $765 million lawsuit settlement between former players and the league, it is apparent how dangerous the game of football can be.
The NFL, whether to protect players or simply save face, has taken steps in the right direction. Helmet to helmet contact results in a fine now, the kickoff team has been moved up five yards to discourage dangerous returns and they’ve put an end to the ugly habit of glorifying brain-rattling hits.
Obviously the NFL has been more than happy to point out these changes as evidence that they are championing the effort to keep their players safe. The league’s statement after the previously mentioned settlement was typical.
“This agreement lets us help those who need it most and continue our work to make the game safer for current and future players,” NFL executive vice president Jeffrey Pash said. “[The settlement] builds on the significant changes we’ve made in recent years to make the game safer, and we will continue our work to better the long-term health and well-being of NFL players.”
So why continue making the players put their bodies on the line with just three days rest?
We all know the answer to that is money. The league’s other efforts toward making the game safer didn’t cost them anything, but cancelling Thursday Night Football certainly would.
That’s what makes statements like the one previously mentioned seem so hypocritical. There’s no doubt the league’s image has taken a hit in the wake of allegations that they intentionally hid information on brain injuries from players, and their begrudging attitude towards making sacrifices of any size to protect players is doing nothing to help their cause.
Announcing the cancellation of their Thursday night games would show people the NFL is serious about player safety. That’s something, in my opinion, they have yet to do.
Zach Winn can be contacted at
zwinn@keene-equinox.com