Troy Aikman: NFL May Not Remain No. 1 Sport

[BigBucs]

On the other hand, football is a flat out terrible live experience, which is the reason it failed to explode culturally until TV, because TV masks the lack of action that takes place while sitting in a football stadium, and accentuates the brief spurts of actual gameplay with replays and such. Live football is spent squinting at piles trying to figure out whats going on, staring at players standing around doing nothing during the endless breaks in the action, and looking at the back of the head of the drunkard who stands the whole game in the seat in front of you. No thanks.

I agree and disagree. It all depends on the atmosphere. I went to my 1st Bucs game this past season and aside from being at Ray Jay for my 1st time it was a terrible experience. It was hot, the fans sucked ass simply didnt how up. I know Tampa is a retirement area but it was a bunch of 50+ in there screaming "Down in the front" every time I stood up. Im like mfer its a football game, the action is on the other side of the field, why wouldnt I stand up? They didnt chear or get loud on critical downs and were just generally shitty. Not to mention their terrible parking situation. We parked on some soft, muddy ass grass and had to be pulled out because the wheels where stuck in the mud, we wasted about 45 mins of the game doing that shit.

On the flip side I had one of my more enjoyable experiences at the Bucs/Skins preseason games at fed ex. It was just a perfect night weather wise, a mild summer night, and the fans and atmosphere were great. Met a group of like 6 chicks who were Bucs fans and took notice of me getting riled up and giving the Skins fans shit. They joined in but in the end we loss :alone: Great night though. All about atmosphere. You can make the live experience a great one if the people are cool. What I like about the Skins stadium is their fans will talk shit with you and with me giving them shit it adds to the excitement.

 

[ralaw]

I'm not arguing lacrosse will be more famous than baseball on television. I'm saying people don't play baseball anymore, and when they get older they'll be less likely to watch it. The argument is simply that baseball will dip in views once the new generation gets older. They won't know how to play, and they won't teach their kids either.

If they find it boring to play, why would they want to sit on a couch for three hours and watch slow pitch after slow pitch? The new generation isn't built for that, they need action so they turn to alternative sports and lacrosse, and then for television they turn to NFL and whatever else is fast paced and exciting.

I'm not sure about lacrosse, but I agree with your stance on baseball. It also can't be denied that baseball isn't a sport played by blacks, asians, etc. It is primarily a sport played by hispanics and whites and is probably primarily viewed by older whites.

 

[Senser81]

Either way, less kids won't want to watch/listen to baseball if they don't grow up playing the game and experiencing it for themselves. Point is the game is not exciting for children, and unless MLB runs fantastic promotions getting families to the ballpark, the interest in baseball will decline in the long run..

Completely disagree and question the relevancy of your post. Kids still grow up playing baseball. Parents are still cautious about putting their kids into youth football leagues, but they do not hesitate to put their kids in softball/baseball/T-ball. I actually followed baseball much more when I was a kid, because I was playing it back then (and I had more time to follow it). MLB has a problem keeping the fans it creates, not attracting new ones.

And what is your point? As has been said, from the mid-70's every boy and girl has been forced to play youth soccer at some point in their childhood, yet the MLS is still a relatively minor league.

 

[Senser81]

I agree and disagree. It all depends on the atmosphere. I went to my 1st Bucs game this past season and aside from being at Ray Jay for my 1st time it was a terrible experience. It was hot, the fans sucked ass simply didnt how up. I know Tampa is a retirement area but it was a bunch of 50+ in there screaming "Down in the front" every time I stood up. Im like mfer its a football game, the action is on the other side of the field, why wouldnt I stand up? They didnt chear or get loud on critical downs and were just generally shitty. Not to mention their terrible parking situation. We parked on some soft, muddy ass grass and had to be pulled out because the wheels where stuck in the mud, we wasted about 45 mins of the game doing that shit.

On the flip side I had one of my more enjoyable experiences at the Bucs/Skins preseason games at fed ex. It was just a perfect night weather wise, a mild summer night, and the fans and atmosphere were great. Met a group of like 6 chicks who were Bucs fans and took notice of me getting riled up and giving the Skins fans shit. They joined in but in the end we loss :alone: Great night though. All about atmosphere. You can make the live experience a great one if the people are cool. What I like about the Skins stadium is their fans will talk shit with you and with me giving them shit it adds to the excitement.

The fact that you attend games means the experience sucks.

 

[shag773]

Completely disagree and question the relevancy of your post. Kids still grow up playing baseball. Parents are still cautious about putting their kids into youth football leagues, but they do not hesitate to put their kids in softball/baseball/T-ball. I actually followed baseball much more when I was a kid, because I was playing it back then (and I had more time to follow it). MLB has a problem keeping the fans it creates, not attracting new ones.

And what is your point? As has been said, from the mid-70's every boy and girl has been forced to play youth soccer at some point in their childhood, yet the MLS is still a relatively minor league.

Just tried to get my son into a T-Ball league and it was filled up. The little league where I live is huge, they have a complex with 4 fields. They have no problems getting kids to play.

I've been hearing about soccer becoming big in this country since the late eighties. The world cup in 94 was supposed to open the flood gates but I'm not sure it had the desired affect. I have 4-5 Spanish dudes in my office, I don't think we've ever talked about, or heard them talk about soccer.

I don't think the NFL will be supplanted as a number 1 sport anytime soon, but if I had to pick one I'd probably say baseball. I also think adventure sports will be more popular too.

 

[ZoneBlitz]

Saying the NFL will decline in popularity simply because there is an extra game per week is stupid.

Saying fans will flock from the NFL to another sport is even more stupid.

 

[LiquidLarry2GhostWF]

Bingo.

Football was tailor made for the tv screen. Baseball is the only sport that loses almost nothing on the radio. In fact, some argue it has more charm on the radio.

Baseball is also a far superior live sport in my opinion. It's relaxing and exciting all at the same time, and taking in the ambiance and everything else that goes along with live baseball is impossible on TV.

On the other hand, football is a flat out terrible live experience, which is the reason it failed to explode culturally until TV, because TV masks the lack of action that takes place while sitting in a football stadium, and accentuates the brief spurts of actual gameplay with replays and such. Live football is spent squinting at piles trying to figure out whats going on, staring at players standing around doing nothing during the endless breaks in the action, and looking at the back of the head of the drunkard who stands the whole game in the seat in front of you. No thanks.

Professional Football is a real drag to watch live. It has become a sport that is made to watch at a sports bar (maybe senser's sports bar?) where you only half watch/focus on a game, while being able to divert your attention to other games at the same time, or bullshit with your buddies. The game, is overly boring these days and not ADD friendly, so, the game's best setting is now at a sports bar, where you can watch multiple games and have numerous stimuli during the 4 hour game where 30m of actual game play takes place (maybe).

College Football however, is an experience all its own...its not ADD friendly, but live, the experience can't be beat.

 

[ralaw]

Just tried to get my son into a T-Ball league and it was filled up. The little league where I live is huge, they have a complex with 4 fields. They have no problems getting kids to play.

I've been hearing about soccer becoming big in this country since the late eighties. The world cup in 94 was supposed to open the flood gates but I'm not sure it had the desired affect. I have 4-5 Spanish dudes in my office, I don't think we've ever talked about, or heard them talk about soccer.

I don't think the NFL will be supplanted as a number 1 sport anytime soon, but if I had to pick one I'd probably say baseball. I also think adventure sports will be more popular too.

Considering where it was during the 80's and 90's I would say the NBA would be next in line, but the NBA suffers from being associated with hip-hop culture and this alienates mainstream society. The league needs a great player with an even greater ability to relate to mainstream society…..like Michael Jordan, which probably isn’t going to happen again.

 

[LiquidLarry2GhostWF]

Either way, less kids won't want to watch/listen to baseball if they don't grow up playing the game and experiencing it for themselves. Point is the game is not exciting for children, and unless MLB runs fantastic promotions getting families to the ballpark, the interest in baseball will decline in the long run.

There's studies done that show the socio and economical factors on baseball's decline are huge. Towns/cities can't afford to keep baseball fields maintained, kids can't afford cleats/bats/gloves, boys without fathers don't have anyone to show them the game, etc. whereas basketball you need a hoop and a ball, football you need a ball, and soccer you need a ball. One of these things is not like the other, and there's a reason a lot of ballparks get shut down these days.

Baseball is a game for historians moreso than it is for the common man. Things change, the game will still be around but if basketball/football ever fall behind baseball I will be shocked.

Playing a sport has no correlation to its popularity on television.

Youth and High School sports are mainly regional. Football isn't the "most popular youth sport" everywhere.

Where I grew up, it was amateur wrestling.

In South Florida, football is huge...but you know what else is huge? Baseball. Just as big as football.

In certain parts of the country...its hockey, or LAX. And every kid in the country has probably played soccer at some point.

It just has no correlation to its popularity nationally.

Also, I'm pretty sure your "studies" are made up, or crap, as football is, without question, the most expensive youth sport to get up and running (sans Ice Hockey). LOL @ just a ball. The equipment costs are near as high as ice hockey, but you need to equip more players.

 

[LiquidLarry2GhostWF]

Considering where it was during the 80's and 90's I would say the NBA would be next in line, but the NBA suffers from being associated with hip-hop culture and this alienates mainstream society. The league needs a great player with an even greater ability to relate to mainstream society…..like Michael Jordan, which probably isn’t going to happen again.

You'd think a player like LeBron would be that guy...I don't exactly see a guy loaded with street cred, but for some reason, I don't see LeBron ever taking that next step as an ambassador of the sport like Jordan was. Jordan defied black/white/purple/rich/poor/men/women.

Its tough to capture that lightening in a bottle. Plus, you had Larry Bird, Magic Johnson, Kareem. It was an era of players that crossed social and race barriers.

The players today, as you mentioned, kind of stick in that hip hop culture and they don't appeal to the masses like that group in the 80's/early 90's did. Hell, even in the early 90's players like Penny and Grandmama had a bit more mainstream, cross appeal than players seemingly do today.

 

[jms493]

As a non NBA fan I cant think of anyone I would want to go see play..............maybe Lin?

Haha.

And Len B........fucking little league baseball....cmon man.

 

[ralaw]

You'd think a player like LeBron would be that guy...I don't exactly see a guy loaded with street cred, but for some reason, I don't see LeBron ever taking that next step as an ambassador of the sport like Jordan was. Jordan defied black/white/purple/rich/poor/men/women.

Yeah, I think LeBron James was that guy until he went to Miami. Had he stayed with the Cavs and won a championship he probably could have been that guy. Since going to Miami we've seen some athletic character flaws with him.

A guy that actually has the ability, but due to his size probably doesn't get the attention he should is Dwight Howard. Howard has the personality, looks and on-court ability. However, traditionally its very hard for people to relate to big men and big men aren’t handling the ball, taking big shots, etc.

As a non NBA fan I cant think of anyone I would want to go see play..............maybe Lin?

Jeremy Lin has the story, but being Asian will hurt, because people don’t naturally relate to Asians in this country. We’ve never had a big-time Asian star…maybe he can change that. However, he’s in NY, the team is winning and his game has the flare that traditionally draws people. If NY can develop into a great team the Miami versus NY matchup would be a goldmine for the league.

 

[Len B]

Completely disagree and question the relevancy of your post. Kids still grow up playing baseball. Parents are still cautious about putting their kids into youth football leagues, but they do not hesitate to put their kids in softball/baseball/T-ball. I actually followed baseball much more when I was a kid, because I was playing it back then (and I had more time to follow it). MLB has a problem keeping the fans it creates, not attracting new ones.

And what is your point? As has been said, from the mid-70's every boy and girl has been forced to play youth soccer at some point in their childhood, yet the MLS is still a relatively minor league.

You can disagree all you want but it doesn't make it true. I spent years in college majoring in grassroots sports and socio/economical issues with baseball was a huge issue. Participation does have an impact on fan totals. There's a reason baseball spends tons of money on cheap family promotion.

You're speaking for the minority in this case, middle class to above class white males. Start factoring in low income areas, blacks, asians, fatherless children etc. and you see the big picture. There are studies after studies on this subject. It's not like the middle class white male is always going to be the main point of society.

And yes, kids are FORCED to play soccer. That doesn't mean they like the sport. Soccer is the cheapest sport for US participation. Every soccer player I grew up with who likes the game lives for the World Cup. Every hockey player loves the Bruins, bball Celtics, etc. We didn't have a football program in my town and only the die hard jocks followed NFL before the 2000s. There's obviously going to be deviances, but statistically it will hold true.

Can baseball thrive? Sure. will it be harder than basketball/football? Of course.

 

[Len B]

And this is all about 20 years from now, not today. These studies would indicate change will show next generation, so only time will tell I suppose.

 

[LiquidLarry2GhostWF]

Yeah, I think LeBron James was that guy until he went to Miami. Had he stayed with the Cavs and won a championship he probably could have been that guy. Since going to Miami we've seen some athletic character flaws with him.

A guy that actually has the ability, but due to his size probably doesn't get the attention he should is Dwight Howard. Howard has the personality, looks and on-court ability. However, traditionally its very hard for people to relate to big men and big men aren’t handling the ball, taking big shots, etc.



Jeremy Lin has the story, but being Asian will hurt, because people don’t naturally relate to Asians in this country. We’ve never had a big-time Asian star…maybe he can change that. However, he’s in NY, the team is winning and his game has the flare that traditionally draws people. If NY can develop into a great team the Miami versus NY matchup would be a goldmine for the league.

The most popular player post Jordan was Shaq...but Shaq has a world of personality...Jordan wasn't exactly a variety show like Shaq, albeit, Jordan has charisma for days.

And its odd that we see LeBron with his character flaws, because Jordan was definitely not without them...I do think, Jordan surrounded himself with better people though...his entourage and marketing team were second to none.

 

[Senser81]

Professional Football is a real drag to watch live. It has become a sport that is made to watch at a sports bar (maybe senser's sports bar?) where you only half watch/focus on a game, while being able to divert your attention to other games at the same time, or bullshit with your buddies. The game, is overly boring these days and not ADD friendly, so, the game's best setting is now at a sports bar, where you can watch multiple games and have numerous stimuli during the 4 hour game where 30m of actual game play takes place (maybe).

College Football however, is an experience all its own...its not ADD friendly, but live, the experience can't be beat.

Agreed. Attending college games is fun. Attending NFL games seems like work.

And if you are ever in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area, stop on by. You have a standing table reservation at my place.

 

[Senser81]

You can disagree all you want but it doesn't make it true. I spent years in college majoring in grassroots sports and socio/economical issues with baseball was a huge issue. Participation does have an impact on fan totals. There's a reason baseball spends tons of money on cheap family promotion.

You're speaking for the minority in this case, middle class to above class white males. Start factoring in low income areas, blacks, asians, fatherless children etc. and you see the big picture. There are studies after studies on this subject. It's not like the middle class white male is always going to be the main point of society.

And yes, kids are FORCED to play soccer. That doesn't mean they like the sport. Soccer is the cheapest sport for US participation. Every soccer player I grew up with who likes the game lives for the World Cup. Every hockey player loves the Bruins, bball Celtics, etc. We didn't have a football program in my town and only the die hard jocks followed NFL before the 2000s. There's obviously going to be deviances, but statistically it will hold true.

Can baseball thrive? Sure. will it be harder than basketball/football? Of course.

Years of college wasted....first, majoring in "grassroots sports" (was Andy Katzenmoyer in your class?)...second, even with years of college under your belt, you aren't able to comprehend or compose a simple forum post.

Last I checked, a majority of paying customers to baseball games and a majority of the target audience for TV/radio advertisers are middle-class white males. I didn't know the economic structure of baseball had fatherless children and low-income blacks as its foundation.

And your post is again irrelevent. You say participation impacts fan totals...I agreed! But again, the problem with baseball isn't attracting new fans from the orphanage...its keeping the fans it creates through Little League.

I am amazed that, through being a casual fan, I have a greater understanding of this topic than someone such as yourself who majored in "grassroots sports". I don't know what college you went to, but the education you received wasn't worth a dime.

 

[ZoneBlitz]

Anyone who says football is boring to watch will get a groan from me.

 

[Senser81]

Also, I'm pretty sure your "studies" are made up, or crap, as football is, without question, the most expensive youth sport to get up and running (sans Ice Hockey). LOL @ just a ball. The equipment costs are near as high as ice hockey, but you need to equip more players.

Disagree. I would guess that his studies are correct. I used to run the Youth Football League (YFL) here in Minneapolis, and it was pretty simple. I went out and bought a football, sent out some flyers charging parents $75 to join, and had the kids come over and play football in my backyard. Easy money.

 

[jms493]

I had fun watching the Giants beat the Pats this year @ Gillette field.