The NFL is the largest professional sports league in the United States and is likely to remain so for years, especially as interest in the NBA diminishes. However, the league’s growth has been affected by emerging concerns about player safety.
As awareness of CTE and other risks associated with football increases, many parents are directing their children toward safer sports. In response, the NFL is reportedly exploring the establishment of a new league. According to Pro Football Talk, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell indicated that the league is considering launching a professional flag football league, which could cater to both men and women.
The NFL has been actively promoting flag football worldwide to enhance participation among women and girls. One source quoted by PFT described Goodell’s statement about merely “considering” a flag football league as an “understatement,” adding that “The work is very much underway.”
Fans have expressed their thoughts on social media, with reactions ranging from skepticism to outright rejection. “Respectfully, I don’t want anything to do with this. And it’s nothing against flag football. Georgia has women’s flag football, and those ladies get after it. It’s very competitive and entertaining. But this? No,” one fan stated on Twitter. Another remarked, “If anything like the Pro Bowl games, hard pass,” while a third commented, “Because the trend against contact has gone so well for the NFL the last two decades.” A different user added, “Will soon be the new NFL as CTE becomes more prevalent with former players. Sad but true.”
It will be intriguing to follow the developments regarding this proposed league as more information becomes available.
