Estimated reading time: 3 minutes
High Stakes of Sports
We are on the yard line. In an instant, the world was focused on one of the most dynamic players in the National Football League (NFL) because he collapsed on the field after what many call a “routine” tackle. The headline, for one paper read “Buffalo Bills’ Damar Hamlin in ‘critical condition’ after collapse on field. Yes, tragedy can strike at any time, especially in sports and jobs that rely upon power, energy, and stamina. Now years later, people seemingly moved on. Did anything change?
While I still hold some thoughts and takeaways from that incident, ‘On the Yard Line’ is one of my takeaways. Prayers were answered for this young man. Still, to me, the yard line measures how can fans positively help impact what happens on and off the field.
Onlookers or Agents of Change on the Yard Line
Even in biblical or ancient times, onlookers sought entertainment. That is what sports give to fans. However, the brutality of sports varies. Injuries are not all the same, nor is the potential of injuries. The drive to eliminate or stop the opponent is the expectation. At what cost should fans be entertained? As fans, are we accountable to those who entertain us – the players? Should their emotional welfare be a priority and not just a temporary or passing concern? Even more, should the student-athlete’s academic welfare also be a priority to the fan base?
The Top 10 Sports Drives Fans
According to Maria of Sports Virsa (Top 10 Highest Paying Sports in The World 2022), the most challenging sports in the world rank as the most difficult sports. On the sideline or yard line, they are considered the toughest globally, i.e.,
- 1. Boxing
- 2. American Football
- 3. Martial Arts
- 4. Ice Hockey
- 5. Gymnastics
- 6. Basketball
- 7. Soccer
- 8. Wrestling
- 9. Rugby
- 10. Water Polo
Yet, these sports are not the most lucrative or highest paying sports in the world. Still, the highest paying sports in 2022 and 2024 is still basketball. In 2022 top money from advertisers were:
- 1. Basketball
- 2. Boxing
- 3. American Football (NFL)
- 4. Golf
- 5. Soccer
- 6. Tennis
- 7. Ice Hockey
- 8. Baseball (MLB)
- 9. Auto Racing
- 10. Wrestling (WWE)
Sport Injuries and Pay Increases
In 2024, according to an article, The World’s Highest-Paying Sports: Leagues, Teams, and Salaries, written by the CEO Today publication has changed. Furthermore, the article reports, the global sports industry reached a staggering $512.14 billion in revenue. With that, athletes in the top leagues are stars on the field. They are also some of the highest-paid professionals in the world. Is this driven by the fan base? Do fans on or off the yard line make the difference? I believe the answer is clear.
Even though sports and injuries co-exist, fans and parents can help improve statistics. According to an article, Sports Injury Statistics, by John Hopkins, nearly one-third of all childhood injuries stem from sports-related activities. The most common injuries are sprains and strains. With over 30 million children participating in sports, parents can make a difference in advocating for safety and equipment needs.
Finally, greed must not override the welfare of any individual. Parents, as a fan base, when united, can’t be ignored. Thus, to every fan, ‘”Are we as much on the yard line as the players?” Fore more like this, we suggest:
#damarHamlin #ToSonsAndGrandsons #betterangels #sportFans #yardline #sideline