Like the players of the Super Bowl, Roger Goodell was facing the press on Monday. An annual appearance which always allows him to take stock of the hot subjects of the moment in the league.
And none is warmer currently than arbitration. A lot of errors have punctuated the season.
Errors? Yes. A plot in favor of chiefs, as some supporters imagine? No.
“” It's a ridiculous theory“, Raided Goodell. “” […] It reminds me of the story of the “script”, right? I would write a script for the whole season. Many of these theories are born on social networks and come to life from there. […] I have never seen people more dedicated to doing well than our NFL referees. They have the highest standards possible. »»
Furthermore, what interest does NFL have to promote chiefs? Kansas City is one of the smallest markets in the league. Chiefs are only the 24th League team in terms of value according to the annual classification of Forbes. Victories of cowboys or historic coast teams are likely at least as many audiences, if not.
The boss of the League recalled that the NFL is currently testing technologies which would in particular allow to better visualize the placement of the ball, but that the thing is made difficult by the very nature of American football: the shape of the ball, the judgment in the middle of the players, and the fact that the ball does not have to touch the ground.
“You have to do tests. First to see precision. And secondly reliability. Because you have to do things well when you end up putting it in place. Technology is advancing quickly and we have to integrate it into our sport, but we really have to test, make sure the data is good, and then install it when you think everything is good. »»
“The potential of an international team”
With the increase in the number of games played internationally, the question is more and more often. And even when Roger Goodell is on American soil. She returned on Monday.
“I think there is the potential that we have an international franchise one day. And if that happens, I think it wouldn't surprise me if a super bowl followed and was played there. »»
Madrid and Berlin will be added to the list of destinations in 2025. The goal? Arrive at 16 games played each year internationally.
“We believe that 16 is realistic. »»
Towards a professional Football Football?
In the will of international visibility of the League, there is also Flag Football.
In 2028, he will become Olympic sport. A new step for the exhibition of this contactless version of football. But the NFL plans to go further.
Roger Goodell said the League is considering a professional version of the Flag. Or even two: a masculine and a feminine, in order to always expand the accessibility of enthusiasts to football.
Roger Goodell: “Diversity makes the NFL better”
During his annual press briefing, Roger Goodell was asked about NFL's initiatives in favor of diversity. Initiatives that include the “Rooney Rule”, which oblige teams to pass job interviews to candidates from minorities when they seek a coach. This initiative and the others led by the NFL are not threatened by the current American political climate.
“We embarked on efforts for more diversity because we thought it was the best thing to do for the NFL“, Argued Goodell. “” And we will continue like this, because we have proven to make the NFL bettere. »»
