In recent years, the National Football League (NFL) has become known for more than just the game itself. With players pushing leftist talking points and taking a knee during the national anthem, many fans, especially conservatives, felt alienated and turned off by the league’s political activism. Now, as the fervor for wokeness dies down, the NFL is experiencing a significant drop in interest and attendance.
A glaring example of this lack of interest can be seen in the 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. Front Office Sports captured the scene in a tweet, stating, “Depending on where you look, get-in ticket prices for today’s Carolina Panthers’ game ranged from about $0.45 to $5.“
The Panthers had hoped that the 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 last season’s 7-10 record. The team’s failure is evident in the 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’s embrace of wokeness back in 2017. 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 wanted 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.
