In recent years, the National Football League (NFL) has faced criticism for its players’ political activism. Many fans, especially conservatives, have felt alienated by the league’s embrace of leftist talking points and the controversial act of taking a knee during the national anthem. As a result, the NFL is now experiencing a significant drop in interest and attendance.
A perfect example of this lack of interest was evident in a recent game between the Carolina Panthers and the Atlanta Falcons. Despite ticket prices as low as $0.45, the Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte was nearly empty. This scene was captured by Front Office Sports in a tweet that highlighted the low ticket prices.
The Panthers had hoped that their selection of quarterback Bryce Young as the number one pick in the 2023 NFL Draft would boost their performance this season. However, the team has struggled significantly, currently holding the league’s worst record at 1-12. This is a stark contrast to their 7-10 record of last season. The team’s failure is evident in a video that shows the stadium moments before the game, revealing the small number of fans in attendance, even when tickets were practically free.
Former President Donald Trump was quick to criticize the NFL back in 2017 for embracing wokeness. He called out the league for allowing players to disrespect the flag and suggested that team owners should fire them. Trump also pointed out the declining TV ratings for the NFL, attributing it to the league’s failure to address the concerns of patriotic Americans.
The empty stadiums and the lack of enthusiasm from fans make it clear that the NFL’s foray into political activism has backfired. The league’s decision to prioritize wokeness over the game itself has alienated a substantial portion of its fan base, particularly conservatives who simply want to enjoy football without being bombarded with political messages. As the NFL continues to grapple with declining interest and attendance, it remains to be seen if they will learn from this lesson and refocus on what truly matters – the game.
