Quick Definition & Preface: Conflict theory is a social theory which emphasizes a person’s or group’s ability to exercise influence and control over others, thereby affecting social order. It posits that individuals and groups struggle to maximize their benefits. The NFL and how it is run relates strongly to this theory and may be part of the reason why professional football players have issues unique to them versus other sports.
The NFL is heading towards mini-camps and while most people are focusing on how good their team might be there are some issues that should be considered. Unlike other sports, pro football is more than just working to get better/get a bigger contract. The sport consistently tests its players mentally and physically on and off the field. Due to this, different stages in their careers provide different issues but they often lead to bad outcomes. There are a large number of players not taken care for or who get into trouble after their career. These issues may begin as early as the draft.
DRAFT:
Beginning with the draft process football players go through the Combine which is distinctly unique. Every sport tests its athletes in some form but not to the extent the NFL does. It’s interesting because football does not have the highest average contracts, actually they have the lowest (NFL-1.5 million / NBA- 5.2 million / MLB – 2.7 million /NHL – 1.8 million). The players go through medical exams, IQ tests, physical trials, interviews, and have their collegiate videos reviewed over and over again. On top of this their private life is also looked into. This not only determines their draft status but essentially determines how much money they will make. Of course, after making a team they can raise their value when their contract is up but there is still a lot of potential lost earning. If the rookie contract is 4+ years then their is a good chance that is all they will earn because the average NFL career is 3 1/2 seasons.
For some players it is the opposite. They get drafted high, get a ton of money upfront and now have a different set of unreasonable expectations put upon them. This system isn’t promoting better play or better performances, in many ways it is hurting them. It’s also adding new life stressors which can be detrimental to performance.
So how is the player going to have any control or power when the circumstances are already pitted against them? Does this contribute to the overall well being of the players? I don’t believe it does, instead it puts an unnecessary pressure on players. Something that will continue throughout their career.
TRAINING CAMP:
Training camp is also unique to pro football (All sports have a pre-season but nothing to this extent). It is about a month of long, hot days and exhausting workouts. Players are separated from friends and family, which may be a change to some rookies. While this takes a toll on the athletes mind and bodies it does serve a function. Training camp is a weird function because it helps the team (and players) in many ways, such as team bonding, repetitive practice, and a crash course in the teams offense or defense. But training camp also potentially hurts the individual. They are more susceptible to injury and may set themselves up for playing with pain most season. Constant injury may lead to a shorter career and more physical ailments after their career is over.
CAREER:
Throughout the player’s career they may experience relative fame, money, and special attention. This is the crossover to other sports but there is a bigger difference with the NFL than other sports. When the end of the player’s career happens it is often ungraceful and not on the player’s terms. Players can be cut at anytime (in most situations, if they are cut they are not paid) and it is not necessarily because they can’t play anymore. It is often for financial reasons. Many are then left with dealing with previous concussions and other assorted injuries. Football, which was their earning potential, is gone.
I argue that this last issue is both the player’s fault and the league’s. The player’s need to work harder for a better system to help players. What if you don’t meet the eligible requirements for a pension before you get cut? What if another team does not pick you up? The end of a football career is not set-up to support the player. Look at how many players get in-trouble each year. While in the league they have a support system, once they are out then what? The current system of the NFL is far from support the individual. I realize this is a team sport but there are too many issues that are become unique to only this sport.
Looking at the incidents/arrests their seems to be a clear problem of providing support and positive opportunities for the players by both the league and the teams.
Arrests and Citations involving NFL players since 2000
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