Remember when football was a “manly” sport? Full of aggressive, testosterone-fueled athletes ready to sack, block and tackle 250-lb. opposing linebackers? Those were the good ol’ days! Lately, however, it’s devolved into this:
For the record, I think the NFL’s “A Crucial Catch” campaign to raise breast cancer awareness is a good thing. The league partnered with the American Cancer Society to promote the importance of annual screenings in women over 40, by kicking off (see what I did there?) this marketing campaign featuring pink uniforms, pink apparel, and even pink penalty flags and coins throughout the month of October. There’s no doubt that it’s a worthy cause, and I support certain facets of the program. Like this one.
That, my friends, is an effective use of pink. Yes, sir. Message received loud and clear.
But this one? Not so much.
Please keep in mind, I am anti-cancer. Cancer sucks. I hate cancer. I wish we could eliminate cancer from the face of the earth. I just have my doubts that making football players wear pink is going to have much of an effect in the overall battle to eradicate cancer. Aren’t most women over 40 too busy watching The Bachelor or Dancing With The Stars or some Lifetime special to tune in to the NFL? I realize that’s a stereotype and not true of everybody. My girlfriend, for instance, is a huge football fan. Look how cute she is!
And not a bit of pink anywhere, I might add.
But Tara’s the exception to the rule, at least in my experience. Most of the women I’ve been in relationships with haven’t known diddly squat about football. Nor have they cared to learn. Sure, I’ve tried to explain concepts like “third and long” and “play action fake” and once, for god’s sake, I even made the mistake of delving into the definition of a “flea flicker.” Man, did her eyes glaze over.
And the guys who do pay attention to the message? I’m deathly afraid they’ll start showing up in the grocery store dressed like this.
I have nothing against the color pink, either. But the fact is, it’s the most feminine color in the world. It reminds one of flowers or Mary Kay Cosmetics or dainty birds that like to stand on one leg. A symbol of the most masculine sport on the planet? Fail.
I think if the NFL is going to support breast cancer awareness, they should do so in a more subtle manner. This, for instance, is perfectly okay.
But here? You’ve crossed the line.
Anything more, and I’m calling a foul.
Because cancer sucks and we should all strive to find realistic ways to eliminate it, if you’d like to make a donation to the American Cancer Society, click here!
Related articles
- How Much Is The NFL Profiting From All This Pink Breast Cancer Awareness Merchandise? (consumerist.com)
- A Crucial Catch: The NFL and the business of pink (thefarmclub.net)
Mark My Words 
Leave a comment