This Is Hell! American Football's Long, Violent History / Michael Oriard
Nov 20, 2025
In this riveting discussion, Michael Oriard, Professor Emeritus and former professional football player, explores the long, violent history of American football in his new book, "Sanctioned Savagery." He delves into how the NFL's brand protection strategies often overshadow player safety concerns. Oriard highlights fan cognitive dissonance and the impact of media in dehumanizing players. He also examines the role of gambling, evolving masculinity, and the cultural forces that perpetuate football's violent legacy. A thought-provoking listen for sports enthusiasts!
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Family Memory Of Football Damage
- Chuck recounts his father's semi-pro career and stories about Dutch Clark's later-life decline.
- Those tales connected family memory to concerns about long-term brain damage in football.
Money Changes The Risk Calculation
- Oriard notes huge modern pay changes let some players retire early to avoid brain risk.
- Yet many still weigh spectacular financial rewards against uncertain long-term harm.
Media Shapes Football's Narrative
- Media helped create spectator sports and has economic incentives to minimize threats to football.
- That creates repetitive defenses of violence across eras despite mounting evidence of harm.
