The Commissioner's View  --  Fall, 2002
Are You Ready?

As we prepare with great anticipation to kick off our eighty-third season, the game on the field never has been stronger or more competitive than it is today. The intense, balanced competition fostered by the league’s unique partnership structure, including long-term labor peace with the players, creates tremendous fan interest throughout the country. What we present, quite simply, is super athletes engaged in super competition.

Against the backdrop of last September 11, the 2001 season was the most extraordinary in our history. As measured by comments from fans and others, the NFL and its teams and players gained enormous respect from the public by sharing the nation’s pain and goals, bringing people together, and celebrating the spirit of America. We know from this experience and others that the public will continue to have high expectations of the NFL as a leader on a diverse range of issues.

This season brings a great deal that is new for the NFL, starting with a new division alignment and the introduction of our thirty-second team, the Houston Texans. We also have a new scheduling formula, a new Thursday prime-time kickoff to the season, four more new stadiums, John Madden on NFL Monday Night Football, enhancements to NFL.com, and additional prime-time playoff games.

The NFL’s success also depends on a continued commitment to responsible conduct both on and off the field. Our policies and programs to support such conduct are an important part of the league’s foundation.

The race for the Super Bowl promises to be an entertaining and surprising journey for millions of fans. Talent abounds across NFL rosters, which feature many exciting young players. And the league’s extraordinary competitiveness means that the next Super Bowl champion could come from anywhere. Our past three Super Bowl champions did not reach the playoffs the previous season, and many NFL prognosticators now are routinely combing the list of last season’s nonplayoff teams in their search for the next “surprise” Super Bowl champion.

We will continue to challenge ourselves to improve our game and our league in all ways. This includes our commitment to programs that invest in youth football and the development of players, coaches, game officials, and other leaders of our sport. Our Youth Football Fund with the Players Association, including a partnership with the College Football Foundation, is making key contributions to the future of our game.

We are grateful for the support of our fans and, with Kickoff 2002 upon us, renew our commitment as a league to the best interests of the game and its fans. All the elements are in place for another tremendous NFL season.

Are you ready?