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
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
The NFL Prays for Israel and Ignores Palestine The NFL Prays for Israel and Ignores Palestine
A few football fans started chanting “Free Palestine” during a moment of silence for the Israeli dead. It was a cry for Palestinian lives to matter as much as Israeli ones.
Oct 16, 2023 / Dave Zirin
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
Jim Brown’s War Within Himself Jim Brown’s War Within Himself
The passing of the football great is an opportunity to speak about his tangled legacy.
May 22, 2023 / Dave Zirin
Lamar Jackson Made the Billionaires Blink Lamar Jackson Made the Billionaires Blink
After a two-year odyssey, the MVP quarterback scores a contract that was even more about power than about money.
May 2, 2023 / Dave Zirin
Lamar Jackson’s Sin: Not Playing Their Game Lamar Jackson’s Sin: Not Playing Their Game
The incredibly talented quarterback can’t find a new team. It reveals the ugly way NFL owners do business.
Mar 31, 2023 / Dave Zirin
The New Era of Backlash in Sports and Politics The New Era of Backlash in Sports and Politics
Trump opened up the world of sports to the hard right.
Mar 1, 2023 / Dave Zirin
Is It Time to Cancel Football? Is It Time to Cancel Football?
Now, as the Super Bowl looms, is it time to turn your back on football? Or would you prefer to “man up” and leave any qualms about its violence in the dust of recent history?
Feb 10, 2023 / Robert Lipsyte
Heartbreak Is Life: Reflections of a Football Fan Heartbreak Is Life: Reflections of a Football Fan
Like life, football is ultimately about loss, struggle, grace, danger, and finding joy wherever we can.
Feb 10, 2023 / Photo Essay / JoAnn Wypijewski