Watch Behind the Shield: The Power & Politics of the NFL

Behind the Shield: The Power & Politics of the NFL is a documentary film released in 2020, which explores the intricate workings of the National Football League (NFL) and its immense impact on American society. The movie takes a critical look at the various aspects of the NFL, including its complex system of governance, its cultural significance, and the controversies that have engulfed it in recent years.

The film is directed by Aaron Cohen and features Dave Zirin, a well-known sports journalist, as its narrator and commentator. Zirin's expertise in sports reporting and social justice gives him the tools to critically evaluate the NFL's operations from a progressive perspective.

The movie begins by examining the NFL's origins as a regional and collegiate sport and its evolution into a multibillion-dollar industry. The NFL's transformation from a mere pastime for families to an all-consuming national spectacle that commands a huge following is explored. The film argues that the NFL's growth has not necessarily been beneficial to its players and society in general, and questions whether the league truly promotes inclusivity and social justice.

The documentary delves into some of the most pressing issues on the NFL's agenda, including race relations, the role of women in the sport, and the league's ongoing concussion crisis. The film probes whether the NFL has done enough to protect its players from the physical toll of playing the sport, and how it has handled some of the controversies that have arisen over the years.

For example, the film looks at the protests against police brutality spearheaded by Colin Kaepernick, and how the NFL responded to them. It discusses the role of Commissioner Roger Goodell in handling the crisis and the impact that the controversy had on the league's reputation. The movie also analyzes the factors that led to the NFL's eventual embrace of Black Lives Matter and the steps it has taken to address the racial disparities in the league.

Behind the Shield: The Power & Politics of the NFL also explores the gender politics that play out in the NFL. The film interrogates some of the sexist attitudes and behaviors that have traditionally been associated with the sport and how the league has addressed them. It highlights the strides that women have made in the league, both on and off the field, and the work that still needs to be done to make the NFL a more inclusive place for women. In this section, the documentary looks at some of the women who are challenging the status quo, including former Buffalo Bills coach Kathryn Smith.

In addition to the social issues, the documentary looks at the economics of the NFL, the league's relationship with the media, and the role of the owners in shaping the sport. It closely analyzes how the financial dynamics behind the NFL have influenced its decision-making processes and the challenges it faces in maintaining its popularity in an ever-changing media landscape.

Overall, Behind the Shield: The Power & Politics of the NFL is a thought-provoking film that challenges the conventional view of the NFL as a benign and wholesome institution. The film highlights the complexities and contradictions of the NFL, and provides a platform for critical debates on its social, cultural, and economic significance. The documentary invites viewers to think critically about the NFL and its role in American society and to join the conversation on how the sport can become more just, inclusive, and responsible.

Behind the Shield: The Power & Politics of the NFL is a 2022 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 34 minutes.