The NFL has been struggling to regain its popularity after pushing leftist politics, especially during the Trump era and post-George Floyd protests. Efforts such as “end racism” messages and players kneeling during the anthem alienated many fans who just wanted to enjoy the game.
Panthers’ Struggles
The Carolina Panthers’ recent game against the Atlanta Falcons in Charlotte highlighted this decline. Despite offering tickets as low as $0.45, the Bank of America Stadium was nearly empty. Front Office Sports tweeted an image, noting, “Depending on where you look, get-in ticket prices for today’s Carolina Panthers’ game ranged from about $0.45 to $5.”
Team Performance
After drafting Bryce Young as the first overall pick in 2023, the Panthers had hoped for a better season. However, they currently hold the NFL’s worst record at 1-12, a significant drop from last year’s 7-10 finish.
Trump’s Criticism
Former President Trump was vocal about the NFL’s “wokeness,” saying in 2017, “Wouldn’t you love to see one of these NFL owners, when somebody disrespects our flag, to say, ‘Get that son of a bitch off the field right now.’”