NBA legend, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar said his enthusiasm for the NFL has waned in the past few years. The veteran superstar played NBA for 20 seasons. The 75-year-old said he lost his interest as he learned about the long-term effect the game has on the players. 

The yesteryear star added the game is on the path to extinction in the future. This is because many Americans think the NFL is not an ideal sport for kids. He acknowledged that TV networks are paying an enormous sum to show the league for the next decade. Last year, NFL rights were sold for $110 billion, ensuring its financial success. 

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar has some concerns about league’s future

The cash-rich league is on track to meet Commissioner Roger Goodell’s goal to earn $25 billion in revenue, annually in 2027. “I’m torn. A survey this year showed that half of Americans don’t think tackle football is an appropriate sport for kids to play. This could lead to a shortage of not just fans who grow up more interested in other sports, but fewer players willing to risk their health,” the legend wrote in an article. 

Former Steelers QB Terry Bradshaw was adamant in his opinion. He said he would not let his son play football. Meanwhile, the NBA titan acknowledged he liked the NFL for how rugged and physically challenging the sport is, in nature. He criticized the forgiving nature shown to Deshaun Watson, who was suspended for only 11 games. 

NFL and the growing CTE concerns

The emotional reason combined with the fear for the safety of the players is the factor that the league needs to work on in the future. NFL is the most popular sport in the US and it is watched by 17.3 million Americans. A study pointed out that they found CTE in more than 90 percent of former NFL players. The NBA titan concluded his article by calling for stricter rules and norms to ensure the safety of the players.

Read more: “He Made Nearly $140 Million In His Career”: Brett Favre Draws Ire of Notable NFL Analyst After His Recent Affairs Transform Into National Controversy 

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With harder concussion rules and elaborate rules on player injuries, the NFL has made its intention clear in the 2022 season. The safety of its players is its priority. Experienced stars like Tom Brady can play a big role in shaping the future rules. 

Watch this story: Tom Brady Reveals What He Truly Feels About Growing Media Coverage Around His Personal Issues