Football Culture Reflects Worst of American Society

Columnist argues football glorifies violence, exploitation, and unchecked capitalism over player safety and community.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 8:41am

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In a critical op-ed, the author argues that football culture in America reflects some of the worst aspects of American society, including glorified aggression, hypermasculinity, the exploitation of players' bodies for profit, and unchecked capitalism. The author contends that the sport's focus on violence and lack of accountability for player safety issues like concussions and chronic brain injuries demonstrates a culture that prioritizes entertainment revenue over the wellbeing of young athletes.

Why it matters

This commentary adds to an ongoing debate about the role of football in American culture and whether the sport's core values and business model align with broader social values around health, safety, and community. As the NFL and college football programs face increased scrutiny over player safety and labor practices, this perspective challenges readers to reconsider football's place in American life.

The details

The author argues that football's appeal is built around glorifying violence, with bone-crushing tackles and highlight reels celebrated by fans. This normalization of aggression is further problematic when linked to increased domestic violence reports after home team losses. Additionally, the author cites the NFL's long history of denying and downplaying the serious long-term effects of repetitive head trauma, including Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE). Even recent cases of teams allowing injured players to return to the field too soon demonstrate an ongoing prioritization of the game over player health.

  • In 2022, Atlanta Falcons quarterback Tua Tagovailoa faced a serious hit that left him seizing, just two weeks after experiencing a concussion.
  • For years, the National Football League denied and downplayed the long-term effects of the repetitive head trauma that football players face.

The players

Tua Tagovailoa

Atlanta Falcons quarterback who was allowed to play shortly after suffering a concussion in 2022, demonstrating teams prioritizing the game over player health.

National Football League (NFL)

The major professional American football league that was aware of chronic brain injury risks to players but denied and downplayed these concerns for years to protect the league's image.

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What they’re saying

“Football culture in America does not have to reflect exploitation and indifference. It could prioritize player safety over ratings. It could guarantee long-term healthcare for former players. It could shift youth sports away from early high-impact drills and protect the health of young players. It could celebrate skill and strategy rather than highlight reel violence.”

— Leilani Billups, Author

The takeaway

This commentary challenges readers to reconsider football's role in American culture and whether the sport's core values and business model align with broader social values around health, safety, and community. The author argues that football culture reflects some of the worst aspects of American society, including glorified aggression, exploitation, and unchecked capitalism, and calls for reforms that prioritize player wellbeing over profits and entertainment.