The NFL finds itself in the middle of a political firestorm once again as social media explodes with claims of dwindling attendance and fan outrage linked to “Trump Team USA.” This week, viral posts circulating on X accused the league of losing touch with its core audience, with photos of half-empty stands and fans calling for boycotts over political and cultural divides.
“NFL continues to get sacked by Trump Team USA!! Empty Stadiums Across the Country. Keep up the great work Everyone!! NFL will never be the same…,” one post read.
NFL Continues to get Sacked by Trump Team USA !! —Empty Stadiums Across the Country.
Keep up the great work Everyone !!
NFL will never be the same….#MAGA #FireGoodell pic.twitter.com/hZDpilK5CD
— USA NEWS (@USANEWS007) November 27, 2017
NFL Faces Fan Backlash Over Politics and Patriotism Amid Declining Attendance and TV Ratings
Sep 11, 2025; Arlington, VA, USA; President Donald Trump speaks at a memorial event at the Pentagon alongside U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, center, and Air Force Gen. Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, right, on the anniversary of the 9/11 terror attacks on Sept. 11, 2025, in Arlington, VA. Mandatory Credit: Jack Gruber-USA TODAY via Imagn Images
The NFL has had to balance entertainment, activism, and politics, which has upset some fans. Recently, there has been more talk about the cultural tensions around former President Donald Trump’s comments on patriotism and the national anthem.
Other controversies, like the Bad Bunny Super Bowl halftime backlash, where critics accused the league of prioritizing “woke” performances over football, have intensified frustration among more traditional fans. Combined with visible declines in attendance and a reported 10% drop in TV viewership compared to last season, the optics are fueling the “empty stadium” narrative spreading across X.Many fans claim the real number is higher.
Oneuser wrote, “Every report claims a 10% drop in viewership, this is BS, the loss is much higher, just like the 2016 polls, here’s the media creating fake news to support a lib cause.”
Others echoed that the NFL’s political stance has permanently alienated loyal supporters.The backlash on social media has been intense.
Oneuser posted, “Stand for flag, turn off NFL.”
Whileanother declared, “NFL sucks, I have not watched a play all year. Football is over for me, bye bye sissies.”
Some tied the issue to broader cultural concerns, writing, “Seats still being occupied by brain dead zombies that continue to support these racists. Look, all you guys and gals… if you’re white, then these lowlifes hate you.”
Another fan added a long-term perspective: “We boycotted before Trump entered the spotlight.”
Whether this is a temporary backlash or a more profound shift in fan loyalty, one thing is sure: the NFL’s relationship with its audience has never felt more fragile.