NFL: Has the League’s Environment Changed?

There’s an ongoing political debate on global climate change, but what about climate change in the NFL?

Climate change is literally a hot topic on the news and social media lately, but NFL OTAs and training camp are as well. Which made me, a science and football enthusiast, wonder: has the climate changed in the NFL?

I am not talking about actual, physical climate change from varying factors like Matt ‘Matty Ice’ Ryan’s chill demeanor. Rather, I’m speaking figuratively in terms of the less hostile and warmer environment in the League, the atmosphere on the field and in the locker room–specifically, in terms of trash talk.

Live Feed

FanSided

Trash talk has been a part of the game since its conception and continues to be a part of the game. However, it seems as though trash talk has decreased through the years and players, coaches, and League officials alike have made that happen.

One way that League officials did so was by proposing to “ban” the n-word (a matter that’s still to be decided upon). This isn’t so much an effort to decrease trash talk as it is a method to really, just maintain a respectful environment. But it’s certainly an attempt to decrease offending others and thereby, limiting trash talk.

And while trash talk still exists in the NFL with some players and coaches continuing to hurl jabs ( *cough* Josh Norman *cough*), many choose not to instigate or engage in the “pettiness”.  Even players and coaches that do chew up their opponents, many set limits and try not to cross the line. But, where is that line? At what point does trash talk pollute and become harmful to the NFL environment?

I, for one, very much enjoy back and forth banter. To me, it’s fun because it’s really a witty, clever and an engaging discussion. However, just as kids wrestling is, it’s only fun until someone gets hurt. It’s only fun if it’s light-hearted, good-natured, and honestly, clean or pure. We use the term “trash-talk” but no one really wants to be around trash or filth.

In my opinion, there are certain topics that should be completely off-limits in trash talk. Violence (of any kind whether domestic violence or gun violence), rape, sexual assault, family (children, wives, spouses, etc.), sexual orientation, race and ethnicity, religion, and disabilities or medical conditions. There is nothing funny about any of these matters.

With that being said, I don’t fully agree with Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Dirk Koetter’s apology to the Atlanta Falcons for a tweet that trolled the team’s Super Bowl collapse. I understand Koetter’s point about the Buccaneers not really being in a position to make fun of the Falcons’ Super Bowl loss because Tampa Bay hadn’t even made it to the playoffs nor the championship game. However, I saw the back-and-forth tweeting as innocent, goodwilled banter between NFC South division rivals. I didn’t think it was dirty or malicious and therefore, don’t agree with the need for Koetter to clear the air.

If anything, the Buccaneers’ tweet set up an opportunity for the Falcons to respond with, “Well, you weren’t even there so you shouldn’t be talking.” Furthermore, the jab could’ve been intended to stir up some friendly competition ahead of training camp and the upcoming season. And finally, the 28-3 joke has been used time and time again so the Falcons are well-used to it by now and I’m pretty sure the team has learned to “embrace the suck” by now.

While I don’t think the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ apology was necessary, I appreciate the gesture as it is  just one sign of respect among NFL players and coaches across the league. We’re seeing opposing teams uniting in team prayers, pre-game warmups, and even charity events more and more lately. And that is very commendable.

Next: Atlanta Falcons Get Heads In The Game

The changing climate in the NFL is a promising sign of the League’s evolution. As former Miami Dolphins running back Arian Foster said in his retirement announcement, football is a “beautifully violent game“. That all takes a toll on a person’s body. Similarly, pollution affects our environment. And while we can’t eliminate violent tackles or trash talk from football, we can contain them and maintain a warm and welcoming environment on and off the field for several years to come.