Jake Yono

JY Journalism

2/13/25

I Have A (Little) Concern About The NFL. Most People Don’t Notice

With the 2024 NFL season now in the books and the 2025 season on the horizon, it was a successful year for the league, especially with new rule changes in place. In my opinion, the dynamic kickoff and the rule restricting onside kicks to when a team is trailing in the fourth quarter were both positive changes. I came across a great site that explains these rules along with all NFL regulations—(NFL Operations)—which can help fans better understand the game. With that, I have a concern that I believe should be addressed across all NFL games and broadcast football games in general. It’s not about the 60 minutes of play itself, but rather the coin toss that takes place before each of the league’s 272 games.

Of all these games, only one—the Super Bowl—televises the pre-game meeting between team captains and officials. I believe every broadcast football game should show this moment for several reasons. First, it demonstrates sportsmanship, as captains shake hands and respectfully line up together. It also highlights team leaders, giving new fans key players to watch on the field. Without this moment being televised, viewers rely solely on pre-game coverage, which, while informative, lacks the authenticity of on-field action. Instead of cutting to broadcasters just minutes before kickoff and briefly announcing the coin toss result, networks should provide fans with an in-stadium feel by airing the toss itself. The main reason this moment isn’t shown is advertising revenue—networks prioritize commercials to maximize profits. However, the league could still generate revenue while enhancing the fan experience by dedicating just one minute to showcasing the coin toss before a short commercial break leading into kickoff. Additionally, many people perceive NFL players as overly aggressive or unprofessional. Televising the coin toss would help change that perception by displaying the respect and professionalism players show before the competition. Viewers would see captains respectfully engaging with officials and opponents, reinforcing the idea that, despite the intensity of the game, players operate within a framework of sportsmanship and mutual respect. Another key reason to air the coin toss is the insight it provides into how possession is determined. Many fans don’t fully understand the process, particularly new viewers. Every team designates captains who are responsible for making key decisions on the field, and these players wear patches on their jerseys indicating their leadership status (NFL Rulebook Rule 18 Section 1). These patches, found on the right side of a player's jersey, range from one to five stars, signifying how many seasons they have been captains. For example, Josh Allen, Buffalo’s franchise quarterback, is a five-star captain in his seventh season, while Derrick Henry, now with the Ravens, has a one-star patch as a first-year captain with his new team. Recognizing captains is crucial for new fans trying to understand team dynamics. Without the coin toss being televised, viewers often rely solely on broadcasters to point out key players, which isn’t always accurate. Seeing captains at the start of the game would provide fans with a reliable reference for identifying leaders on the field, rather than relying solely on analysts’ opinions. In my opinion, integrating the coin toss into broadcasts would enhance the overall viewing experience. Currently, most games skip straight from pre-game analysis to kickoff, with a brief mention of which team won the toss and their decision. This process feels rushed and misses an opportunity to build excitement before the game officially begins. A simple one-minute broadcast of the coin toss would help immerse fans in the experience, providing a more complete view of the game's progression from pre-game to kickoff. The Super Bowl already recognizes the significance of this moment by televising it, so why not extend that practice to all games? The coin toss is a key part of football tradition, yet it is largely ignored in regular broadcasts. 

By making this small change, the NFL could enhance the experience for both long-time and new fans alike. Football is a game built on tradition, strategy, and respect, and the coin toss reflects all of these elements. Taking just one minute to showcase this moment before every game would make broadcasts feel more immersive and provide valuable insight into team leadership, sportsmanship, and game strategy. The NFL should take this step to improve the fan experience, ensuring that viewers have a complete and engaging understanding of the game from start to finish.