NFL preseason ratings jump; Parsons to Pack
Sanders says pay the players. Selig supports salary cap, but...
Good morning, all. And if you have started your Labor Day weekend early, lucky you!
In six days another NFL season opens and fans cannot wait. Preseason ratings for the league’s exhibition games were up 17 percent from last season, averaging 2.2M viewers per game across all platforms. The numbers are also the highest since 2018. Clearly the fans are hungry for America’s favorite sport.
The season kicks off next Thursday night at 8:20, when the Philadelphia Eagles host the Dallas Cowboys in a huge NFC East matchup. And speaking of the Cowboys, yes they traded All-Pro edge rusher Micah Parsons to the Green Bay Packers in return for DT Kenny Clark and two first round selections. Parsons sought a trade because he was unhappy with owner Jerry Jones and wanted a new contract. He will get one with the Packers; reportedly a 4-year deal worth $188M with $136M guaranteed.
Here are some other thoughts crossing my mind as I ponder all these sports bundles being offered, Fubo being the latest.
My apologies for Thursday’s note, when I wrote piece (sic) is at hand between FOX and YouTubeTV just in time for the college football season. Of course, I meant peace was at hand. I guess you could say YouTube has a piece of the action again. Or something like that.
Yes, the Red Sox are for real. There is a certain never-say-die attitude about this club. Do not rule them out of winning the division.
Ohio St.-Texas. Saturday. Has the pregame show started yet?
Michael Mays, son of the late, great Willie Mays has some concerns about an upcoming auction of his dad’s memorabilia. Apparently there are some items he would like to see held back, rather than end up on “some dentist’s desk.” He has yet to hear back from the Giants on this matter. Proceeds benefit the Say Hey Foundation. Hopefully there can be a resolution.
The pandora’s box has already been opened with the NIL, so I have to agree that Colorado football coach Deion Sanders has a point, when he says college football players should be paid extra, if their team (school) makes the college football playoffs, especially if the field expands.
Former MLB Commissioner Bud Selig says salary caps have worked in other sports but did not come out directly in support of one. He did warn against a fight with labor. I have news for Bud, if the owners insist on a salary cap, there will be a fight with labor.
That is going to do it for today’s newsletter. As always, thank you for your support and have a terrific week.
DAN