Every Day Is Sunday: How Jerry Jones, Robert Kraft, and Roger Goodell Turned the NFL into a Cultural & Economic Juggernaut

Every Day Is Sunday: How Jerry Jones, Robert Kraft, and Roger Goodell Turned the NFL into a Cultural & Economic Juggernaut by Ken Belson

The NFL has become one of the premiere entertainment organizations in the US. Each franchise is independently owned, with values now often exceeding $5 billion. They often pit cities against each other to leverage huge public subsidies for billion dollar stadiums. Football games dominate the TV ratings, with most of the top rated television programs. There are also multiple additional revenue sources including "pouring rights" at stadiums, licensing and more. Some revenue sources are controlled by the NFL, while others are controlled by individual franchises. Owners like Jerry Jones are not afraid to find new revenue sources, even if they conflict with league-wide ones.

The book focuses on three characters that have had a significant impact on the NFL. Jerry Jones had longed to purchase the Cowboys. Once he got his way, he was able to make the most of it. He constantly hunted for new revenue sources and built a huge stadium as a monument to extravagance. His over-the-top personality helped grow the NFL to what it is today. Robert Kraft was somewhat more subdued, but also cunning. He used parking lot rights as an in to eventually purchase the Patriots. The organization had a huge stream of on-field success. Roger Goodell had always wanted to be NFL commissioner. He worked his way up and helped build the NFL to what it was today. Dan Snyder was mentioned at the end. He looked like a potential younger owners. However, his character issues ended up being too much for the NFL and he was subtly chased out and forced to sell his team.

The book focuses on the three main characters and the rise of the NFL. The league does appear to be near its peak now. However, there are a plenty of headwinds. There is greater pushback in local extortion in stadiums. (Though places like Cleveland and Kansas seem to still be willing to pony up.) Injury concerns are impacting multiple areas such as youth football participation and post-football careers for NFL players. NFL fans also skew old and American. Changes to college football could also have impacts on the NFL. (Will players still want to be poked and prodded at the combine.) Can the NFL change enough to continue to reign supreme?