President Donald Trump has made it clear he wants a football stadium named after him. He recently visited the box of Commanders owner Josh Harris during a game, a move that suggests he’s still trying to stay relevant in the NFL scene.
But it seems the NFL is eager to keep their distance. Owners may still support Trump behind closed doors, but the league itself avoids engaging him. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has maintained a strategy of silence, recognizing that once Trump is part of the conversation, he often takes control.
This fall, Trump raised eyebrows by threatening to move World Cup games out of Boston. He claimed the city was unsafe and criticized Democratic Mayor Michelle Wu. However, his statement was based on a misunderstanding. The World Cup matches are actually set to be held in nearby Foxborough, not Boston.
Robert Kraft, owner of the Patriots, has distanced himself from Trump. In interviews, he described Trump’s presidency as surprising, even likening it to having a drunk fraternity brother in office. Since the January 6 riots at the U.S. Capitol, Kraft hasn’t spoken to Trump.
Trump’s recent remarks about moving World Cup games may have been an attempt to pressure Kraft and Goodell publicly. But it appears both have stood firm against his influence.
When Colin Kaepernick kneeled during the anthem in 2016, the NFL rushed to appease Trump. Yet, Goodell soon shifted focus, emphasizing the league’s commitment to diversity and inclusion. His approach has shown that the NFL won’t be swayed by political pressure.
Interestingly, despite Trump’s frequent criticisms of the league, the NFL remains a favorite pastime in America. According to a 2022 survey by Statista, about 68% of Americans identify as NFL fans, showing that interest in the sport remains strong regardless of political affiliations.
Even recent controversies, like the NFL’s kickoff rule changes, have failed to shake fan loyalty. Trump has publicly condemned these changes, declaring them “bad for America.” But the NFL has chosen to stick to its audience-first approach, announcing high-profile halftime shows with artists like Bad Bunny, indicating a shift towards a more inclusive atmosphere.
Naming a stadium after Trump could hurt business. A venue that might carry his name could deter big artists from performing. Josh Harris has to weigh the financial implications of any naming deal against the potential backlash from fans and artists alike.
In the end, Trump’s attempts to reinsert himself into the NFL’s narrative have largely fallen flat. The league’s strategy to avoid drama seems to be working well, allowing them to focus on what they do best: entertaining fans.
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