The Violence, trench warfare, run blocking , tackle breaking makes it compelling for me. Its my only sport and every offseason I watch (and share) recorded games from a massive archive. The Xs and Os and evolution make it esp fascinating.
Males are wired for kinetic spectacle. YT channels devoted to blowing stuff up, shooting things and seeing impact in slow motion. Some females too but it feels like 90% of males enjoy kinetic action, fights and fight scenes. Football is better with its teamwork, tactics, beautiful catches and amazing throws, beautifully synchronized run blocking and or pass rush then just plain old combat sport 2 men beating eachother.
For NFL to grow globally it needs to be the kinetic alternative to the real global game, soccer. You're never going to outcompete soccer for speed, agility with flag football. You bring this violently exciting chess match now you're talking.
And no equipment tackle is exhilarating to play as a boy. Its just more fun! Its a pain in the ass needing 22 kids and a grass field. 2 hand touch can be played anywhere and STILL, we did all we could to set up tackle games. Tore up the grass in all parks every fall-winter.
The IFAF was recognized by the IOC years ago but proposal for 2020 Games inclusion rejected. They changed tack in 2023 with NFL's support (Pro Bowl flag football etc).
The Violence, trench warfare, run blocking , tackle breaking makes it compelling for me. Its my only sport and every offseason I watch (and share) recorded games from a massive archive. The Xs and Os and evolution make it esp fascinating.
Males are wired for kinetic spectacle. YT channels devoted to blowing stuff up, shooting things and seeing impact in slow motion. Some females too but it feels like 90% of males enjoy kinetic action, fights and fight scenes. Football is better with its teamwork, tactics, beautiful catches and amazing throws, beautifully synchronized run blocking and or pass rush then just plain old combat sport 2 men beating eachother.
For NFL to grow globally it needs to be the kinetic alternative to the real global game, soccer. You're never going to outcompete soccer for speed, agility with flag football. You bring this violently exciting chess match now you're talking.
And no equipment tackle is exhilarating to play as a boy. Its just more fun! Its a pain in the ass needing 22 kids and a grass field. 2 hand touch can be played anywhere and STILL, we did all we could to set up tackle games. Tore up the grass in all parks every fall-winter.
FWIW the NFL originally pitched tackle football for the Olympics, but the IOC opted for the flag variant.
Interesting--do you have a link? I can't seem to find a good recounting of the timeline here. Just curious.
The IFAF was recognized by the IOC years ago but proposal for 2020 Games inclusion rejected. They changed tack in 2023 with NFL's support (Pro Bowl flag football etc).