In the United States, there are two things that are part of the culture that play major roles in people’s lives and opinions; Football and the Military. With connections between the two aspects of American culture continually on the up rise, it is no surprise that funding flows from one to the other. On the college level in the NCAA, Universities like Navy and Army, who draw massive crowds for games, display the images of military personnel and call for the support of troops in between downs and during commercial breaks. On an even bigger scale, the National Football League has massive connections to the different military branches, with jet planes flying over games, banners at the stadiums, and logos and pictures flooding the market.
This connection has prompted some to question the effect that football has on the political leanings of its followers and just how much money is being spent on football by the defense department. An investigation into how the NFL honors U.S. soldiers and members of the National Guard during games revealed that the Department of Defense paid 14 teams $5.4 million for salutes and advertising. Teams that received funds included Atlanta Falcons, Baltimore Ravens, and the Buffalo Bills. With proof that significant amounts of capital are being spent to link football and the military, these studies may show a deeper reason for the funds to be spent; using the NFL as a vehicle for political activism.
The NFL basically owns a day of the week when it comes time for season games. In addition to this, there are ads everywhere that market game times, teams and television events that promote the NFL and its supporters. With one of the most present supporters being the military, people are subjected to on a daily basis, sometimes even more frequently, to the images and logos that trigger the connection between the two aspects of American life. Due to this, individuals are more likely to think about the military and associate the two concepts with each other, making it a much more present topic of conversation and interest to those who follow the sport. It is therefore likely that these people are generally more supportive and knowledgeable of military personnel than they may otherwise be, and this awareness can shape their political ideology.
In a country that already has a major focus on their military, integrating it into everyday life shows the commitment the U.S. has with their push for the public’s support, and what better way to increase that than with something so highly approved as American football.