Football

O.J. Simpson at his 1995 trial

O.J. Simpson Was a Rorschach Test for America O.J. Simpson Was a Rorschach Test for America

Society / April 11, 2024 O.J. Simpson Was a Rorschach Test for America Most people saw the Hall of Fame running back not as a person but as symbol for what was wrong with the c…

Apr 11, 2024 / Dave Zirin

Crowds jam into Caesars Sports Book at Caesars Palace Hotel & Casino to bet on the Kansas City Chiefs vs. Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LVII on February 12, 2023, in Las Vegas, Nev.

The Super Bowl of Gambling The Super Bowl of Gambling

The gambling industry has consumed the sports world, so of course, the Super Bowl is in Las Vegas.

Feb 9, 2024 / Dave Zirin

The San Francisco 49ers mascot, Sourdough Sam, leads the team onto the field at the start of the game between the Washington Commanders and the San Francisco 49ers on Saturday, December 24, 2022, in Santa Clara, Calif.

Who Were the Real 49ers? Who Were the Real 49ers?

Fans of the San Francisco 49ers may feel like their team name is less racist than the “Chiefs,” but given the bloody history of the Gold Rush, they shouldn’t be so smug.

Feb 9, 2024 / Simon Moya-Smith

New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft looks on prior to a game against the Miami Dolphins on September 11, 2022, in Miami Gardens, Fla.

In the Fight Against Antisemitism, Robert Kraft Is Part of the Problem In the Fight Against Antisemitism, Robert Kraft Is Part of the Problem

The foundation run by the owner of the New England Patriots has purchased a Super Bowl ad titled “Stop Jewish Hate”—but it’s the foundation that is helping to fuel antisemitism.

Jan 31, 2024 / Dave Zirin

Colin Kaepernick, #7 of the San Francisco 49ers, talks with Aaron Rodgers, #12 of the Green Bay Packers, after their game on October 4, 2015, in Santa Clara, Calif.

What Naomi Klein Taught Me About Aaron Rodgers What Naomi Klein Taught Me About Aaron Rodgers

We all have doppelgängers, and we now know Colin Kaepernick’s is Aaron Rodgers.

Jan 23, 2024 / Dave Zirin

An ESPN microphone before the NFL game between the Los Angeles Rams and the Cincinnati Bengals on September 25, 2023, in Cincinnati, Ohio.

The NFL May Buy a Stake in ESPN. Is This the Death of the Network’s Journalism? The NFL May Buy a Stake in ESPN. Is This the Death of the Network’s Journalism?

ESPN’s dogged but underappreciated reporters keep getting laid off—and now a main target of their investigations may become the new boss.

Jan 17, 2024 / Dave Zirin

deion sanders hugs son college football game colorado

Deion Sanders and the Joys of Hype Deion Sanders and the Joys of Hype

While other college football coaches pine for the past, Deion Sanders has taken advantage of new rules and made the present fun.

Sep 18, 2023 / Dave Zirin

photo of northwestern's ryan field football stadium

Will Northwestern Get Its Stadium, or Will Evanston Get a Fair Deal? Will Northwestern Get Its Stadium, or Will Evanston Get a Fair Deal?

The roar of community disapproval cannot be silenced for much longer.

Aug 25, 2023 / Dave Zirin

Michael Oher and the Tuohys, who are portrayed in the film The Blind Side, stand on the field before an Ole Miss game.

“The Blind Side” Was Always Trash “The Blind Side” Was Always Trash

The book and movie about former NFL lineman Michael Oher lean into the white-savior trope. They were terrible long before the allegations that they were based on lies.

Aug 15, 2023 / Dave Zirin

Saquon Barkley of the New York Giants runs down the field holding football

Time to Stop Running Time to Stop Running

NFL running backs are in the same fight as all laborers: the struggle to be treated as humans, not “cattle.”

Jul 26, 2023 / Dave Zirin

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