Life Without The NFL ~ The Sweet Life Of J and E

What would life be without the National Football League? I've gave this some thought and I think society would going in a downward spiral. Now bare with me for a moment so I can plead my case. Here are my power points.

I'M GOING IN!

1. Television Ratings Through The Roof

This year more than ever the NFL has owned TV. This past season alone, 18 out of 20 televised games have been the highest ever recorded up to date. I'm talking about every single televisied game averaged at least a TV rating of 17.2 million viewers.

Here is an example of the power the NFL has on prime time television.

Sunday Night Football, which is viewed on NBC (best choice they have ever made in their existence up to date), was ranked number 1 for 18 straight weeks throughout this past season averaging 21.8 million viewers. If that doesn't speak volumes, I don't know whatelse to say.

2. Whatelse Is Their On Sunday

Seriously.....do I need to say anything else. I live in New York and I'm a huge Giants fan. I love my Giants more than anything. I still have every hit Tom Brady took by that Giant's defense in that glorious 18-1 Superbowl. I like the Jets and I believe that Coach Ryan really changed that team for the better, but I will always stand by Big Blue.

Anyways lets get back on topic. The MLB is ok to watch. Nothing really is good until the post season. Once the Yankees are out of the playoffs, no one watches and that's a fact. We can only do so much.

3. The Economy Would Take A Hit

I don't think people think about this point. Let's look at Cleveland and their beloved Cavs. Now I know this isn't in he realm of football, but think about this for a second. When Lebron James was playing for the Cavs, the Cleveland night life was insane. People were out spending money and the city's moreal was at an all time high for 7 years. When he left, the city and it's people took a complete 180 turn in the wrong direction. The estimated loss, by some experts, for the downtown area is upwards of 48 million dollars. That was just the regular season, so imagine when they were in the playoffs.

With that in mind, imagine life without the NFL. Already some of the impact is being felt. The New York Jets recently have asked some of their employees to work 3 weeks and take 1 week off with no pay. So other teams would probably follow in that direction due to no income coming in. Most of the revenue comes for the fans. Without fans, how are you suppose to sell your product.

Think of all the people that spend money on BBQ sets, Flat Screen TVs, Jeresy, food, beer, etc. Now imagine Cleveland in mulitple cities. Take a minute to think about that . . . . . . . now that would be one hell of a hit to small business owners as well as big business as well.

4. Top Plays From The Season

Come Monday and Tuesday, we would really have nothing to talk about. How would be ever see a run like this if there was an NFL Lockout?

Or hits like this?

Or witnessing history?

My View On The CBA Negotiations

With all that being said, I am on the side of the players for this simple reason. Every owner is a billionaire and will have money even after they pass away. The players, who are millionaires, average NFL career spans about 3-4 years if they are luck not to get injuried. Most of the players still need medical assistance even after they done finish play the sport we love. Their bodies are on the line every day even at practice. They deserve to keep the regular season at 16 games; medical coverage for past and current players; as well as all the money they can get.

My message to these labor negotiation people is, get the job done! Everything boils down to money. Make is mandatory for the team to present their financial statements at the end of every season or even every month. If regular business do it, why not them. Who are they not to present the league with that information. It's not rocket science, it is just the way it should be.

In Closing

WE NEED FOOTBALL ON TV! NOT JUST COLLEGE, BUT THE NFL TOO!