Bulwark Takes The NFL Pretends It’s Above Politics. It Never Was. (w/ Seth Wickersham)
Nov 27, 2025
Tim Miller chats with Seth Wickersham, an ESPN investigative reporter and author of American Kings: A Biography of the Quarterback, about the intersection of football and politics. They explore how the NFL has become a stage for culture wars and debate the league's transactional nature with owners. Seth shares insights into the unpredictable world of quarterback evaluation and highlights the rise of Black quarterbacks, tracing their journey from pioneers to prominent stars. The discussion also touches on the chaotic landscape of college coaching and future investigative projects.
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NFL's Paradox: Capitalists Within A Socialist Structure
- The NFL operates like a socialist organization despite ruthless capitalist owners.
- Owners collaborate on revenue and rules while acting transactional in community obligations.
Owners Present Independent Faces but Vote Together
- Owners typically vote in near-unison despite perceptions of independent, king-like behavior.
- Groupthink often prevails in league decisions, yielding lopsided votes.
NFL Is Mostly Reactionary On Politics
- The league tends to react rather than proactively manage political controversies.
- Major political moments often force owners into intense internal debates and reveal true colors.
