Will the N.F.L ever Fair Minorities to Authority Positioning?

It seems as if things will never change, when it comes to Head Office positions within the National Football League. The shield has been around for 102 years. Let me address this again, the National Football League as we know it to be, has been around for 102 years. Yet, there has been nearly little, to no representation of minority Executive Positioning or Head Coaching opportunities granted. 

 

The year is now 2021, with 32 clubs representing their respective Cities: according to NFL.com sources. The players within the #1 grossing sport in America; according to moneyinc.com. Generating $13 Billion dollars in one year; is made up of 70% minority athletes. There are only 2, yes, 2 minority Owners over the league existence: Ms. Kim Pegula of the Buffalo Bills and Mr. Shahid Rafiq Khan of the Jacksonville Jaguars.  Of the two Owners within the League, 5, yes 5 have Head Coaching positions are currently held by minorities:

 

1.     Mike Tomlin (Pittsburgh Steelers)

2.     Ron Rivera (Washington Football Team)

3.     Brian Flores (Miami Dolphins)

4.     *David Culley (Houston Texans)

5.     *Robert Saleh (New York Jets)

 

*Newly Acquired to the position this year, 2021. 

 

These are the highest positions within a Sport, that is predominantly ran by minority handlers. In fact, it wasn’t until after World War II according to “Remember the AFL” writer Fred Arbanas states; Minorities didn’t begin to become relevant within the NFL, until the 1960’s. It was the Leagues competitor during prior years, the American Football League or A.F.L was pioneering in allowing minority Athletes play professionally. 

 

In 2003, the National Football League introduced the Rooney Rule. This rule required all teams to interview a minority coach for a vacant Head Coaching position. In 2009, this rule and terms were expanded to include the General Manager Position. This rule has now in 2020 been altered again to increase the Interviewing process to at least two minorities and a female coach. With all of these qualifications in place, the impact has been minimal. Are minority Coaches that unqualified for the positions entailed? Or is nepotism the main course for certain actions within the majority of the Organizations? Will minorities of this league get their fair share? All remains to be seen.