I've been thinking about the idea that the NFL is scripted similar to WWE, and I'm struggling to wrap my head around it. While I get where people are coming from, it seems unlikely considering the genuine emotions from coaches and players. For instance, as a Vikings fan, I can't shake the feeling that the 2018 playoff game against the Eagles was rigged to boost tourism in Minneapolis. Plus, I've noticed that Patrick Mahomes seems to get special treatment, which might have helped the Chiefs reach the Super Bowl, especially with the whole Taylor Swift buzz. I'm sure some refs or players might be incentivized in shady ways, and there are definitely strange plays that raise eyebrows. But can it really be as scripted as WWE?
4 Answers
I’ve heard a few former players hint at the idea of the NFL being a bit ‘scripted’—more in how games are managed rather than specific plays. It’s said that the refs can make certain calls at pivotal moments, which can alter narratives and outcomes. So while I wouldn't say it’s WWE-level scripted, there’s some gray area worth considering.
Right? It’s crazy to think how much money influences every decision behind the scenes.
The notion that the NFL is scripted flows mainly from the huge TV revenue tied to playoffs and the Super Bowl. They have a lot at stake with viewership ratings, so it’s not surprising that some people think there's orchestration behind the scenes. But honestly, the unpredictability of the games and the players’ intense drive to win contradicts the whole ‘script’ theory.
What about the betting aspect? Seems like there’s a lot of money influencing outcomes.
It seems like a high-pressure environment; I doubt they need to rig it since the NFL is popular anyway.
While I believe the NFL operates more like entertainment rather than a pure sport, equating it to WWE is a stretch. The players experience genuine emotions and pressures, and the outcomes aren’t pre-planned like wrestling matches. There’s too much unpredictability for it to be fully staged, though I do think there are instances of refs making questionable calls.
So you're saying the outcomes are more influenced by circumstances rather than scripted events?
That makes sense! I think it's more about how different players feel pressured due to money, media, and fandom.
You have to consider how referees can dictate the pace of the game by selectively calling penalties. They can turn a close game into a blowout or vice versa, which can give some weight to the ‘scripted’ argument. Just like in any sport, when refs have that kind of control, who knows how the game can shift?
Exactly! Just think about how many penalties can be called on any play—I feel like those calls are where the real power lies.
Totally! If they wanted a team to win, they could easily call or ignore certain penalties.
Exactly! I remember Mendenhall mentioned something similar, talking about how the league operates in ways that feel predetermined.