Four Reasons Why the NFL is the Most Popular Sport in America

The United States of America is passionate about sports in general. It ranks as the most frequent hobby in America, because so many people can relate well with sporting events and competition. Sports like baseball, auto racing, basketball, and many others are popular and bring in a nice chunk of change. Why then is it that football, and specifically the NFL, dwarfs all the competition in its popularity? There is no denying the extreme love for the NFL, just take a look at the number of people who watched the Super Bowl in 2010. Additionally, football tickets and football gear are by far the most coveted items on the market. Let's take a look at some reasons why this is the case.

Four Reasons Why the NFL is King in America

1. The Parity of the League- While a sport like baseball has some teams with massive payrolls and others with minuscule payrolls, the NFL puts payrolls on a fairly level playing field. This is important to everyone because it means that their team has a chance to be good in the next few years if they do things the correct way. In other sports it may feel as if your team doesn't have a chance, but the NFL gives everyone a chance. The New Orleans Saints are a perfect example of a team that had virtually no success that rose up and was crowned Champion.

2. Fantasy football leagues- Some of the football purists would probably be quick to refute this one, but there is no doubt that fantasy football leagues have contributed to the success of the NFL. Fantasy leagues give individuals reasons to watch games and get involved, and that adds to the popularity.

3. Every Game Matters- Other sports such as college basketball, professional basketball, and baseball have plenty of games that just don't mean very much. In the NFL every game means a whole lot to both teams. The American people can definitely relate to this because generally in the workplace, every single day is important.

4. Contact Brings Viewers- In a time where MMA and UFC fighting are gaining in popularity, it is clear that hard hitting and contact sells in America. The major television networks are always quick to show the biggest hits of the weekend because that is what people want to see. The hard hitting is constant in the NFL, and that is a big plus in America's eyes.

The NFL is the king of the sports world in the United States, and it isn't even close. Who knows what could happen in the years to come, but there are no signs of this changing any time soon.

Source:

The Hollywood Reporter "Super Bowl Dethrones M*A*S*H"