There once was a time that the NFL didn’t just stand for the National Football League, rather it was the No Fun League. Roger Goodell was the most hated man in football with his judge, jury, and executioner stance for player suspensions. Star commentators would criticize player antics and behavior – Joe Buck complaining about Randy Moss pretending to moon Packers fans or Chris Collinsworth complaining about pretty much anything. But recently it seems to have changed. The NFL has gradually loosened it’s numbers restrictions. And even last week the big news for the draft was that Goodell could dab, shake hands, embrace, or whatever else with players as they join him on stage after their name is called. It seems like the league is embracing the new generation of fans and players. It’s a more lighthearted approach, and it seems to be paying off.
Earlier this week Patrick Peterson for the Minnesota Vikings was the first player to take advantage of the new number rules where defensive backs can wear numbers 1-49. The smaller jersey number has been a trend for a while at nearly every position – outside of the offensive line. In the college game nearly every other position you’ll see wearing a single digit number. Even in the NFL you’re seeing mostly numbers in the teens for wide receivers. Twenty years ago it was an extra number for a guy struggling to make the lineup – Keyshawn Johnson was one of the first to wear a lower number. Of course though Keyshawn did it as a marketing move to stand out on the field. The trend has continued ever since. It may not be a big thing, but it’s the fact that the NFL is loosening the small rules shows it’s becoming more fun.
The No Fun League moniker has been disappearing over the past few years – the first signal to this might have been at the last in-person draft in 2019. With the 13th overall pick in the draft the Dolphins selection Christian Wilkins strayed from the script and jumped in to shoulder bump Roger Goodell, and Goodell didn’t shy away. Last week the NFL gave the opportunity for that to happen again. Part of their decision is to help signal moving on from COVID-19, the draft is a major event and a good way to help unify people and accept returning to normal. But, it’s also signaling that the NFL is no longer going to sweat the small stuff. They’re going to embrace people’s excitement from both players and fans.
There’s a number of other changes the NFL has made to move away from the No Fun League history – allowing team celebrations again is another one that comes to mind. But these last two changes show they’re willing to make small adjustments to keep their product fun and exciting.