feature-image

Imago

feature-image

Imago

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. 

Watch What’s Trending Now!

ADVERTISEMENT

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. 

ADVERTISEMENT

Tony Paulines

Tony's Top Prospects For WR For OSU

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. 

ADVERTISEMENT

article-image

USA Today via Reuters

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. 

ADVERTISEMENT

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 

ADVERTISEMENT

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

ADVERTISEMENT

Share this with a friend:

Link Copied!

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

Written by

author-image

Nidheesh Kumar

411 Articles

Nidheesh Kumar is an NFL writer for EssentiallySports. He has completed his Masters in Communication from the University of Hyderabad and was previously a sports journalist with Telangana Today. An avid enthusiast, Nidheesh is a loyal fan of writing and conversations revolving anything remotely around sports. He enjoys watching games in a noisy ambiance with close friends and has a special liking for player interviews. Buffalo Bills is his all-time special NFL franchise but when it comes to athletes, he absolutely admires Aaron Donald for meeting style with substance. When he is not writing articles, Nidheesh listens to songs, takes short bike rides, and re-watches some of his favorite films.

Know more

Edited by

editor-image

Gurjyot Singh Dadial

ADVERTISEMENT