The NFL got more bad news in the ratings department after week 8. Ratings for the Sunday Night Football battle between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Detroit Lions were down 25% from last week and down 17% from week 8 last year. The major drop in ratings and attendance across the league is becoming a concern for the NFL and the broadcast networks.
Week 8 featured a major protest by the Houston Texans. Almost the entire team took a knee during the national anthem following controversial comments by team owner Bob McNair. In a meeting with NFL owners McNair was alleged to have to said "we can't have the inmates running the prison" in relation to the national anthem protest that has polarized the league.
The NFL did face steep competition from a pivotal and exciting game five of the World Series between the Houston Astros and Los Angeles Dodgers, and the second episode of AMC's The Walking Dead.
While the World Series and The Walking Dead likely pulled away viewers from the night game, they didn't impact ratings from the morning and afternoon games. They also don't explain why attendance is down across the league with numerous empty seats seen at stadiums before kickoff across the league.
While the NFL is trying to downplay the protest and their impact on viewership, many fans have stated they are done with the league because of the protests. They see the protests as offensive and disrespectful to the military and believe the players should find other ways to voice their concerns.
If the first half of the season is any indication, the NFL is in trouble and needs to figure out how to bring fans back.
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