How you can help the NFL

The National Football League has become the number one American sport. Americas’ sport if you will. When I strike up a conversation with strangers, sometimes I will ask “Do you watch Baseball” or “Are you a Basketball fan?” But I don’t even bother asking people if they are Football fans any more, I just ask who their favorite team is.

Football has not only replaced baseball and basketball as this countries favorite pass time, it has dominated it. It has made the NFL untouchable!... Or has it?

This week, in Miami during one of this countless Super Bowl week interview, Roger Goodell address concerns over the most important issue to face the NFL since its creation. A concern that most fans have no idea exists, or how devastating it could be for their game. That is the concer over the collective bargaining agreement… The what you say?

The collective bargaining agreement is essentially a contract between National Football Leagues Player Association (the players) and owner (of the teams) on and array of issues (retirement, salary, free agency, and so on) that governs the actions of said participants. What fans don’t realize is without this contract, there can be no season.

It’s like, have you ever seen a strike or a lock out at a local business or labor plant. You hear about people losing their job, picketing, and negotiations. I am sure most of you have even had someone affected by a strike. Well that’s just it. That is what is going to happen if a contact isn’t reached soon. There will essentially be no 2011 NFL season because both sides cant come to an agreement.

Now I know what a lot of you are thinking right now. Greedy players and owner!!! But it’s not that easy. There is more than money at stake here. There is the issue of injuries like concussions that concern players long term health, and what the NFL is going to do to protect them. There is the issue over entire franchises losing their teams. For instance, the Jaguars are in jeopardy of losing their team, and with it, the local community will lose much more.
There is a lot more at stake here than just money. But if you are a “True Football Fan”, you will find out more, and do what you can to make sure there is a 2011 NFL season. Find a petition, or write you teams. Get your voice out. Lets save the game we love so much!

By: Matthew Walden