The NFL’s had its share of cheating, and this issue has negatively impacted the essence of healthy competition. Altered scores, reputations, and tampered balls, sideline videotaping, and under-the-wraps programs have all changed scores and reputations. Commissioners imposed fines, draft picks were stripped, and suspensions were ordered. Fans lost trust; players lost standing; franchises paid in cash and credibility.
That said, let’s take a look at the five biggest cheating scandals.
How cheating scandals change trust and accountability in the NFL
NFL Fans Are Losing It Over Evidence Suggesting the Entire NFL Is “Rigged”
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When rules are broken, so is trust. The league’s most damaging episodes combined covert tactics, internal memos, and public penalties. They left measurable consequences.
1. Spygate (New England Patriots)
Nov 13, 2025; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye (10) makes a call during the first half against the New York Jets at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images
Nov 13, 2025; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye (10) makes a call during the first half against the New York Jets at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images
The NFL ultimately discovered that the Patriots’ staff had filmed the signals of their opponents at illegal spots. Former coach Bill Belichick had to pay $500,000, and the team lost its first-round pick in 2008. The league commissioned the tapes to be turned over and destroyed.
2. Deflategate (New England Patriots)
New England Patriots Rob Gronkowski
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) attempts to push off Tennessee Titans linebacker Wesley Woodyard (59) after a big gain during the AFC Divisional Round playoff game at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Mass., Jan. 13, 2018.
Investigators found it “more probable than not” that the footballs were under-inflated in the 2015 AFC title game. Tom Brady’s four-game suspension, a $1M team fine, and two lost 2016 draft picks.
3. Bountygate (New Orleans Saints)
Saints
Nov 9, 2025; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Tyler Shough (6) looks on during the second quarter against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
The NFL had learned about a player-incentive plan that promoted hurting an opponent. Gregg Williams was suspended without end. Sean Payton was suspended during the 2012 season. It paid a penalty of 500,000 dollars to the franchise, as well as the second-round picks in 2012 and 2013.
4. Videotaping London practice (Denver Broncos)
Broncos
Oct 6, 2024; Denver, Colorado, USA; Detailed view of the throw back helmets worn by the Denver Broncos before the game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
A video director filmed a 49ers walkthrough in London. The Broncos and coach Josh McDaniels were each fined $50,000, and the director was fired. The league treated sideline/ practice taping as an integrity violation
5. Expanded videotaping allegations (New England Patriots)
Jan 17, 2024; Foxborough, MA, USA; A New England Patriots helmet sits on a table prior to a press conference at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images
Jan 17, 2024; Foxborough, MA, USA; A New England Patriots helmet sits on a table prior to a press conference at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports
Investigative reporting later alleged broader, long-running signal-recording practices tied to the Patriots dating back to 2000, intensifying public scrutiny and congressional questions about evidence handling.
Each entry above is chosen for its scale, including official findings, monetary penalties, lost draft capital, or suspensions. Those measures are the league’s own accounting of harm. The repeated pattern is clear: covert advantage, discovery, formal sanction, and the consequences of altered rosters and seasons.
These five episodes did measurable damage. They cost teams millions, stripped draft assets, and removed personnel from the field. They also forced rule clarifications and stricter enforcement.