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. 

 

SUPER...Bowl??

 This was by far the result, of what was to be anticipated by many. No one expected a lopsided victory by any team. However, that’s exactly what occurred in yesterday’s Super Bowl victory for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Tom Brady made history winning his Seventh, count them, Seventh Championship in probably the most difficult competitive team sport known to man. 

 

Combined with a physical defense that kept the Kansas City Chiefs out of the endzone for the entire game. Unheard of? Absolutely! This is an Offense that averaged around thirty points (29.6) per game, during the regular season. Whom of which, was held to only nine, yes, nine total points in the biggest game of the year. 

 

This means two things moving forward into next season. One, Tom Brady and the Tampa Buccaneers will be back and scary to believe, they will be better than they were this season. The team looks completely in-tact with a possibility of losing some defensive stars to Free Agency. Even with the loses, the keep the main piece that started this turn around for the Franchise, you guessed it, Tom Brady. Looking to obtain an imaginable, tenth Super Bowl appearance and his eight Championship. 

 

Two, this means Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs will be measured on how they respond after a disappointing end. Finishing the season with a 15- and 3-win loss record. Mahomes in particular will look to redeem himself with another great season in his young career and return to the big game where, I’m sure, he’d hope to see these same Buccaneers and Tom Brady across opposite sidelines. 

The Super Bowl of Super Bowls

 

 

It’s that time of year you guys. You know what I’m talking about. It’s Super Bowl Sunday this weekend, featuring probably the most intriguing match-up in recent years. There hasn’t been this much excitement since 2015 when the then, Tom Brady and the New England Patriots eclipsed the then, defending Super Bowl Champion Seattle Seahawks in one of the most controversial endings ever. 

 

Now, the Legendary 43-year-old takes on a new challenge. Only one year after leaving Bill Belichick and the New England Patriots. Tom Brady looks to become the only Quarterback in N.F.L history to win his Seventh Championship Title, one in both Conferences and only the second Championship for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Hold on folks because in order to achieve this feat, he’s going up against his toughest test to date. 

 

The defending Super Bowl Champion Kansas City Chiefs. Lead by none other than two-time league M.V.P Patrick Mahomes. Ever since taking over the starting job in Kansas City, Mahomes has been nothing short of amazing. Taking his team to three A.F.C Championship games in a row. Reaching his second Super Bowl in consecutive years, looking for his second Championship title, all at the age of 25. Trying to out play, this generations greatest player, Tom Brady.  

 

This game has the makings of an old school Hollywood Western showdown between two gunslingers, whom both of which, all they do is win. This will be Head Coach Bruce Arians first time as a Head Coach, pursuing a Super Bowl title after winning one back in 2009 as the Offensive Coordinator for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Andy Reid looks to elevate his Hall of Fame career, by winning his second Super Bowl Championship. 

 

This one is going to be close. Tune in! See you on Monday.

 

Super Bowl Prediction:

Kansas City 34

Tampa Bay 31

 

Picture Credit: Collectible Supplies

 

Is Digital Marketing the Wave of the Future?

The future of media and marketing is beginning to shape into form. Traditional media included; Newspapers, Magazines and Television. The future of digital marketing is turning towards online markets and social networks to take the lead for the first time ever. It is anticipated by many that viewers around the world will be online more consistently than watching Television or utilizing traditional media outlets.

Proctor and Gamble Robert McDonald stated “There are just so many different media available today and we’re quickly moving more and more of our businesses into digital.” In a conversation with a Wall Street Analyst, Proctor and Gamble is anticipating to spend a third of their budget ($10 Billion Dollars) towards digital marketing. The concept is, through social media (Facebook, Twitter, Google) engines, a larger audience can be reached more directly.

This is also proven within pro athletes, as their individual brands have grown into digital marketing strategies. Athletes like; Usain Bolt, Mike Tyson and more recently, LeBron James have all attempted or applied a personal application to their brand. Usain Bolt was one of the first international stars to apply this strategy during the London Olympics. Bolt added an application that allowed fans to race his character during the Olympic games. By adding strategies like these, athletes gain a larger fan base and direct income towards their campaigns.

McDonald compared the expenses towards traditional marketing as opposed to digital marketing as “pennies on the dollar”. By shedding expenses by nearly 80% or more, digital marketing looks to be the new trend and target market for the future of any business. With an untapped network accessible at the tap of a button, look for more companies to join Proctor and Gamble by spending large amounts of investments towards their digital marketing campaign. 

Big Spending Franchises vs Small Market Franchises: Who's Better?

Big spending franchises haven’t always panned out to be winners within their respective sports. The Brooklyn Nets have recently become one of the top spending teams in sports with the acquisition of Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce and Jason Terry. Putting the franchise salary totaling 105 million dollars according to business sports daily.

Throughout the years, many teams have attempted to buy their way to a championship. The Miami Heat did so by acquiring Lebron James, Chris Bosh and bringing back then free agent Dwayne Wade. The New York Yankees are the probably the most infamous franchise in utilizing this strategy. The late great George Steinbrenner was the most ambitious owner that didn’t care about spending any amount of money for a winner, just as long as they won.

Mark Cuban is another owner who is not a shy spender in order to win. His attempts the past two NBA off seasons in trying to land an additional superstar next to Dirk Nowitzki, in order to pursue another championship proves owners pressure to win now. Probably one of the more recent teams using this strategy is the Los Angeles Dodgers. Spending nearly 2 billion dollars in reinvesting the teams stadium, roster and new ownership.

Despite the lucrative big market teams that have used this approach. Many small market teams have flourished on a high competitive level despite their market. The Oklahoma City Thunder has proven that within the draft and veteran acquisitions, you can be competitive. Star Forward Kevin Durant and Guard Russell Westbrook were both drafted by the Thunder.  Though consistent amongst the best teams in the NBA, the San Antonio Spurs are still considered a small market team.

With coaches and managers pressured to win at all cost, ownership now has a shorter leash in allowing systems to produce. George Karl set a Denver Nugget franchise record with 57 wins for the first time in team history. Even with an outstanding season with a young talented group, Coach Karl was relieved of his coaching duties after the season. Is it better to rebuild through the draft? Or is it better to buy a team of stars?