Who Were the Real 49ers? Who Were the Real 49ers?
Fans of the San Francisco 49ers may feel like their team name is less racist than the “Chiefs,” but given the bloody history of the Gold Rush, they shouldn’t be so smug.
Feb 9, 2024 / Simon Moya-Smith
In the Fight Against Antisemitism, Robert Kraft Is Part of the Problem In the Fight Against Antisemitism, Robert Kraft Is Part of the Problem
The foundation run by the owner of the New England Patriots has purchased a Super Bowl ad titled “Stop Jewish Hate”—but it’s the foundation that is helping to fuel antisemitism.
Jan 31, 2024 / Dave Zirin
What Naomi Klein Taught Me About Aaron Rodgers What Naomi Klein Taught Me About Aaron Rodgers
We all have doppelgängers, and we now know Colin Kaepernick’s is Aaron Rodgers.
Jan 23, 2024 / Dave Zirin
The NFL May Buy a Stake in ESPN. Is This the Death of the Network’s Journalism? The NFL May Buy a Stake in ESPN. Is This the Death of the Network’s Journalism?
ESPN’s dogged but underappreciated reporters keep getting laid off—and now a main target of their investigations may become the new boss.
Jan 17, 2024 / Dave Zirin
Deion Sanders and the Joys of Hype Deion Sanders and the Joys of Hype
While other college football coaches pine for the past, Deion Sanders has taken advantage of new rules and made the present fun.
Sep 18, 2023 / Dave Zirin
Will Northwestern Get Its Stadium, or Will Evanston Get a Fair Deal? Will Northwestern Get Its Stadium, or Will Evanston Get a Fair Deal?
The roar of community disapproval cannot be silenced for much longer.
Aug 25, 2023 / Dave Zirin
“The Blind Side” Was Always Trash “The Blind Side” Was Always Trash
The book and movie about former NFL lineman Michael Oher lean into the white-savior trope. They were terrible long before the allegations that they were based on lies.
Aug 15, 2023 / Dave Zirin
Time to Stop Running Time to Stop Running
NFL running backs are in the same fight as all laborers: the struggle to be treated as humans, not “cattle.”
Jul 26, 2023 / Dave Zirin
Jim Brown’s War Within Himself Jim Brown’s War Within Himself
The passing of the football great is an opportunity to speak about his tangled legacy.
May 22, 2023 / Dave Zirin
Lamar Jackson Made the Billionaires Blink Lamar Jackson Made the Billionaires Blink
After a two-year odyssey, the MVP quarterback scores a contract that was even more about power than about money.
May 2, 2023 / Dave Zirin