It turns out that the NFL needs America more than the other way around.
General polls may show that a big chunk of the Dems have gotten behind the anthem protests. But then again a big chunk of the Dems would come out for Communism if the media told them it's the best way to fight Trump. The trouble for the NFL is that they rely on a fanbase that is generally more patriotic than the Williamsburg hipster soccer viewing social justice sportsbloggers pushing this stuff.
And the viewers are voting with their eyeballs.
The unbeaten Kansas City Chiefs had their fourth win in a row last night on Monday Night Football but, with ratings and viewership down, the NFLand ESPN probably aren’t doing any dances in the end zone.
The final numbers are in and the Chiefs’ 29-20 victory over the Washington Redskins snared 11.9 million viewers and a 4.3 rating among adults 18-49.
Which means double-digit falls for MNF in both categories.
Compared to the September 25 Dallas Cowboys vs. Arizona Cardinals game, last night’s MNF was down 16% in the key demo to match a season low. Viewershipwise, the Chiefs’ win saw MNF take a 13% hit from last week.
The anthem protests continued. Though on a reduced scale. But I'm not sure it matters.
Fandom is tribal. And the anthem protests are announcing vocally and loudly that the NFL isn't part of the American tribe. It's part of the leftist/black nationalist America hating tribe.
And then why bother?
The NFL is culturally out of step with much of their American base. It is however very much in step with the leftist urban cultural overlords. The same ad scams that have hijacked television can only go so far with a sport that depends heavily on fan activity. Support is being withdrawn and a message is being sent.