The Top Five Things Wrong In The NFL

Over the last century, no sport has done more to captivate our attention than the National Football League.  However, over the last decade, the game that generations of Americans grew up loving has been corrupted. 

What was once viewed as a game is now viewed as a business, plain and simple.

So here is a list of the top five things wrong with the NFL.

5. The Game Is No Longer Fun

Some of these are a little over the top, but as I said, the players can police themselves.

This started the whole ball rolling.  No more celebrations or expressions make the game a bit more tedious to watch.  Sure it’s still a great game, but the end zone antics of T.O. or Ochocinco make the game that much more exciting.  

I’m not saying show up the visiting team’s fans, but a tasteful and clever celebration can be enjoyed by all.  The players can police themselves.

4. The Hits

Jared Wickerham/Getty Images

PITTSBURGH - NOVEMBER 14: Troy Polamalu #43 of the Pittsburgh Steelers watches the game against the New England Patriots from the bench during the game on November 14, 2010 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Imag

No not records, I'm talking about the physicality of the game. 

If Troy Polamalu speaks out against the NFL, you know something’s wrong.  Polamalu (and his million-dollar head of hair) is a total class act, and he believes you have to let the defense do their job.  Their job is to hit.  It’s ridiculous that defenders have to pull up to make sure a they are fined or penalized.  

Players should definitely be safe, but not where the offense has such an advantage over the defense.  If we want that to see that much scoring, we can watch the Arena League.  I have no doubt that within the next 20-years quarterbacks will all wear red shirts during games to prevent them from being hit altogether.

3. Trying To Pass an 18-Game Schedule

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SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 04: A Eels fan with a brown paper bag with a dollar sign is seen before the round 13 NRL match between the Parramatta Eels and the Melbourne Storm at Parramatta Stadium on June 4, 2010 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Matt Blyth/

If the NFL is so concerned about protecting the players, why make the season longer?  Oh you want to take some preseason games away?  That doesn’t matter, it just cuts players reps short and takes away from their time to rest before the season starts, further increasing their chances of injury.  Another clear move that’s all about the money.

2. Denial Over 2011

As amusing as this film was, we don't want it to happen in real life...

In case you haven’t been following the news this season, a lockout seems imminent in 2011.  Instead of worrying about adding games to the schedule, hits or anything else, worry about actually having a season next year.  No one wants to see replacement players again.

So What About No. 1?

This video seems to showcase all the problems in one funny video. However, please be advised there is a Michael Vick reference so those insanely loyal to him or those easily offended by his heinous crimes should skip this video.

Here we are about to reach No. 1.  The previous reasons are all related, and in effect, stem from one thing.  Or really one person…

1. Roger Goodell

Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images

NEW YORK - APRIL 22: NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell announces that the St. Louis Rams selected quarterback Sam Bradford from the Oklahoma Sooners first overall during the first round of the 2010 NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall on April 22, 2010 in New

The commissioner of the NFL has done nothing but ruin the game since he succeeded Paul Tagliabue in 2006.  He cracked down on the player celebrations and hits.  Mr. Goodell is the main proponent of the 18 game schedule.  

Most importantly, Goodell has done nothing to quell the fire of an impending lockout.  Insiders on ESPN have even claimed that when the commissioner met with players on each team in the preseason, he was questioned, booed and cursed out of the locker room by every team.  It was so bad that even in the Colts locker room, Peyton Manning was embarrassed by his team’s display towards Goodell.

How Do We Fix The NFL?

Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images

NEW YORK - APRIL 22: NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell looks on as he stands on stage during the first round of the 2010 NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall on April 22, 2010 in New York City. (Photo by Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images)

The obvious move to fix the NFL is to get rid of Roger Goodell.  He has ruled over the NFL in a tyrannical fashion that makes Joseph Stalin look like a hands-off ruler.  None of the players seem to like Emperor Goodell, and he is not doing anything to stop the sale of PSLs or increasing ticket prices.  If there is no season next year the blame will sit squarely on his shoulders.