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Behind the Shield: The Power & Politics of the NFL

Play trailer Poster for Behind the Shield: The Power & Politics of the NFL 2022 1h 34m Documentary Sports Play Trailer Watchlist
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In "Behind the Shield," celebrated author and Nation magazine sports editor Dave Zirin tackles the myth that the NFL was somehow free of politics before Colin Kaepernick and other Black NFL players took a knee. Digging deep into the history of the league and navigating a stunning excavation of decades of archival footage and news media, Zirin traces how the NFL, under the guise of "sticking to sports," has promoted wars, militarism, and nationalism; glorified reactionary ideas about manhood and gender roles; normalized systemic racism, corporate greed, and crony capitalism; and helped vilify challenges to the dominant order as "unpatriotic" and inappropriately "political." The result is a case study not only in the power of big-time sports to disseminate stealth propaganda and reinforce an increasingly authoritarian status quo, but also the power of athletes to challenge this unjust status quo and model a different, more democratic vision of America.

Audience Reviews

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Jessica R This should have been called the NFL and Colin Kaepernick. It definitely made some valid points, but has a targeted point - it only briefly mentions any other topic of power in the NFL. CTE for example is a huge problem causing abuse and even death to so many every year, particularly significant others. They casually touched on this huge topic to check a box then went on. This is marketed as a well rounded documentary, but it isn't. Rated 2 out of 5 stars 02/20/24 Full Review Elliot C This was a detailed, in-depth history of the NFL's ties to conservatism. Definitely an editorial, but lots of good information pulling the curtain back on this cultural behemoth. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 10/02/23 Full Review Read all reviews
Behind the Shield: The Power & Politics of the NFL

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Cast & Crew

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Jeremy Earp

Director

Dave Zirin

Self

Dave Zirin

Screenwriter

Jeremy Earp

Screenwriter

Loretta Alper

Producer

Jeremy Earp

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

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Movie Info

Synopsis In "Behind the Shield," celebrated author and Nation magazine sports editor Dave Zirin tackles the myth that the NFL was somehow free of politics before Colin Kaepernick and other Black NFL players took a knee. Digging deep into the history of the league and navigating a stunning excavation of decades of archival footage and news media, Zirin traces how the NFL, under the guise of "sticking to sports," has promoted wars, militarism, and nationalism; glorified reactionary ideas about manhood and gender roles; normalized systemic racism, corporate greed, and crony capitalism; and helped vilify challenges to the dominant order as "unpatriotic" and inappropriately "political." The result is a case study not only in the power of big-time sports to disseminate stealth propaganda and reinforce an increasingly authoritarian status quo, but also the power of athletes to challenge this unjust status quo and model a different, more democratic vision of America.
Director
Jeremy Earp
Producer
Loretta Alper, Jeremy Earp
Screenwriter
Dave Zirin, Jeremy Earp
Genre
Documentary, Sports
Original Language
English
Release Date (Streaming)
Sep 7, 2022
Runtime
1h 34m