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The Shifting Landscape of American Football: A Personal Journey from the 80s and 90s to Today

I grew up in what I consider the “golden era” of football—the 1980s and 1990s—when defenses could singlehandedly dominate a game. Legendary linebackers like Lawrence Taylor, Mike Singletary, and Ray Lewis unleashed ferocity on the field, striking fear into the hearts of opposing offenses. Meanwhile, the secondary was patrolled by iconic safeties like Ronnie Lott and Steve Atwater, whose hard-hitting style defined the toughness of that era.

Back then, it wasn’t uncommon for teams with merely adequate quarterbacks to compete for championships, provided they had a formidable running game, a stout offensive line, and a dominant defense. The classic example is the Washington team that relied on John Riggins and the renowned “Hogs,” a towering offensive line that could bulldoze just about any defensive front. Today, in stark contrast, the formula to win a championship feels painfully simple—if you don’t have an elite quarterback, you’re essentially out of contention before the season begins.

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The Evolution of Rules and the Decline of My Fandom

The NFL and college football rules have shifted over the years, ostensibly in the name of player safety. Quarterbacks receive unprecedented protection, and wide receivers benefit from stricter rules on pass interference and targeting. It’s true that CTE (chronic traumatic encephalopathy) concerns and related lawsuits forced leagues and organizations to take head and neck injuries more seriously. However, these rule changes have fundamentally altered the game—removing some of the defensive dominance that made football so exciting to watch during my formative years.

An additional frustration for me has been the officiating; in spite of technological advances, referees still get it wrong far too often. As a lifelong Arizona Cardinals fan, I saw my personal breaking point during their heartbreaking failure to win the Super Bowl. At that moment, I realized the game I grew up adoring had transformed beyond recognition. Between the rule changes and refereeing inconsistencies, I no longer felt it was worth the emotional investment.

A Shift to Rugby

Disillusioned, I found myself exploring alternative sports and gravitated toward rugby. At the professional and international levels, rugby maintains a very physical style: 15 players per side, minimal protective gear, and an emphasis on the collective team effort. While rugby also grapples with player welfare issues—particularly around head injuries—it enforces stricter rules on tackle height, requiring defenders to stay below the shoulders. Although not perfect, it felt closer to the spirit of the game I grew up loving: gritty, hard-hitting, and, most of all, governed by a consistent set of officiating standards that left less ambiguity on the field.

The ASU Renaissance and My Return to Football—For a Moment

This year, however, I got pulled back into watching football when Arizona State University pulled off a remarkable turnaround. After last year’s dismal 3-9 record, no one expected them to win the conference title—let alone secure a first-round bye in the College Football Playoffs. Their success intrigued me enough to watch a full 4½-hour game, which was largely enjoyable…until a crucial officiating error brought back my old frustrations.

A defenseless ASU receiver was knocked unconscious by a Texas defender. The defender had yards of space and plenty of time to adjust the tackle height, but still launched upward, connecting directly with the receiver’s head. By all appearances, it was a textbook example of targeting. Yet the referees swallowed their whistles. Would this have been called if the situation had been reversed—if the receiver wore burnt orange? Or if the race or profile of the players were different? Would the call have been made if the star quarterback was the one taking the hit? These uncomfortable questions are bound to arise when officiating seems so blatantly inconsistent.

Where Legal Tech and AI Come In

So what does this have to do with legal technology and innovation? Quite a bit, if you think about it. We already have the tools—through AI-driven motion tracking, instant replay, and biomechanics sensors—to make more accurate and consistent calls, especially for clear-cut infractions like targeting. Machines can analyze frame-by-frame contact points, force vectors, and trajectory angles. Properly implemented, AI could flag potential penalties more quickly and objectively than human referees do. Imagine an automatic review system that pings an official’s headset the instant a hit to the head is detected, complete with the speed, angle, and location of contact. These innovations might reduce the bias (or mere human error) that so often determines the outcome of critical plays.

The Changing Landscape of College Football

I’m also intrigued by how money, specifically Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals, is reshaping the competitive balance in college football. We’re already seeing newer or previously underfunded programs challenge the old powerhouses by securing deals that help recruit talented athletes. This dynamic shift in the economic structure of college athletics introduces both opportunities and pitfalls. With more money in the game, oversight and compliance become increasingly important—and perhaps, ironically, this is another area where technology can help. Platforms that monitor NIL deals and track compliance in real-time could provide more transparency and fairness.

Final Thoughts

For all my gripes with how football has evolved, there’s no denying the sport’s continued hold on the American imagination. Innovation—both in rules and technology—can be a double-edged sword: it can dilute some aspects of the game’s old-school identity while making it safer and possibly more equitable. My hope is that future changes will strike the right balance between protecting players, preserving the sport’s competitive soul, and leveraging modern technology to reduce human error.

As an observer now half in and half out of the football world, I remain fascinated by the potential for AI and tech solutions to transform sports officiating, just as NIL is transforming college football economics. While I’m still not convinced I’ll ever again be the kind of diehard fan I was in my youth, I will continue watching with cautious interest—especially if our collective innovations can make the game both safer and fairer.

Where to Learn More and How to Research Further

  1. Rule Changes & Player Safety

  2. AI in Sports Officiating

    • Research papers on machine learning and computer vision (e.g., from arXiv.org) often explore sports applications, including player tracking and collision detection.

    • Professional leagues have begun experimenting with AI-assisted replay systems—studies on the Hawk-Eye technology used in tennis and soccer can provide insight into how such systems might be adapted for football.

  3. NIL and the Changing Economics of College Sports

    • The NCAA’s NIL Updates page provides official stance and guidelines.

    • Business publications like Sports Business Journal and Forbes frequently cover emerging deals and impacts of NIL on college athletics.

By exploring these resources, you can get a sense of how football has arrived at this pivotal moment in its long history—and how technology and legal frameworks might steer it going forward. My journey with the sport may be in flux, but I remain optimistic that the right innovations can restore some of what made the game special while keeping today’s athletes safer, better compensated, and on a more level playing field.



Articles and Presentations

Author, “Treasury Suspends Enforcement of Corporate Transparency Act & Proposes Narrowed Scope,” Greater Phoenix InBusiness, March 6, 2025

  • Co-Author, “NIL Agents: The Good, the Bad, and the Unregulated,” Fennemore Blog, March 4, 2025

  • Author, “Considerations for Arizona businesses as the U.S. signals potential shift toward AI-based digital assets,” Phoenix Business Journal, March 1, 2025

  • Co-Author, “A patchwork of name, image and likeness agent regulations leaves student-athletes largely unprotected,” Phoenix Business Journal, March 1, 2025

  • Author, “Lessons From Developing A CTA Compliance Application,” Law360, February 12, 2025

  • Author, “The New Administration’s Impact on AI and Digital Assets,” Greater Phoenix InBusiness, February 2025

  • Presenter, “The 2025 Forecast for the Legislative Session,” Arizona Corporation Commission, January 31, 2025.

  • Presenter, “The World of AI: Benefits and Perils for General Counsel,” Arizona Corporation Commission, January 31, 2025.

  • Author, “Lessons from Developing A CTA Compliance Application,” Law360, January 27, 2025

  • Author, “Trump’s impact on AI and digital assets: What business owners need to know,” AZ Big Media, January 14, 2025

  • Author, “Trump’s impact on AI and digital assets: What business owners need to know,” Arizona Capitol Times, January 13, 2025

  • Author, “What Arizona businesses should know about the incoming administration’s impact on AI and digital assets,” Daily Independent, January 9, 2025

  • Quoted, “For small business owners in Arizona and elsewhere, Jan. 1 disclosure rule not in effect,” AZ Central, December 20, 2024

  • Moderator, “Innovation at Small and Mid-Sized Law Firms,” The Legal Tech Fund Summit, December 2024

  • Presenter, “DEFI, Stable Coins and NFTs, Blockchain and Patents,” Blockchain & Cryptocurrencies Law & Policy Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law, November 5, 2024

  • Presenter, “Hadera AI Working Group: AI, Smart Contracts and Digital Assets,” November 5, 2024

  • Presenter, “Supply Chains, Blockchains and Real Estate,” Blockchain & Cryptocurrencies Law & Policy Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law, October 22, 2024

  • Presenter, “Smart Contracts, Blockchains and AI,” Blockchain & Cryptocurrencies Law & Policy Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law, October 8, 2024

  • Presenter, “Bitcoin – A Case Study,” Blockchain & Cryptocurrencies Law & Policy Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law, September 10, 2024

  • Presenter, “The Ethics of AI in Legal Practice,” Second Western Agricultural & Environmental Law Conference, June 14, 2024

  • Panelist, “SCG Legal – AI Working Group. AI and Ethics panel discussion,” May 23, 2024

  • Presenter, “LegalTech Boston: AI, Legal Work Remix and Alternative Fee Arrangements,” May 17, 2024

  • Author, “As March Madness concludes, athletes and businesses looking for NIL deals should consider these legal risks,” Phoenix Business Journal, April 4, 2024

  • Author, “Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) Compensation for Student Athletes,” Arizona Attorney Magazine, April 4, 2024

  • Presenter, “AI Legal Tech for In House Counsel,” March 19, 2024

  • Presenter, “CLE: Litigation update: Name, Image and Likeness & NCAA,” March 7, 2024

  • Presenter, “Digital Assets, AI And Technology solutions for Trusts and Estates,” January 16, 2024

  • Author, “Corporate Transparency Act takes aim at financial crime,” Capitol Times, January 12, 2024

  • Author, “Considerations for Business and Student Athletes – Negotiating Name Image and Likeness Deals,” NIL Deals, January 4, 2024

  • Author, “What You Need to Know About Corporate Transparency Act,” Phoenix Business Journal and Horizon, January 2, 2024

  • Author, “Corporate Transparency Act to Enhance Economic Transparency in Business,” Arizona PBS, January 2, 2024

  • Author, “Fennemore exec down new Corporate Transparency Act requirements,” Phoenix Business Journal, January 2, 2024

  • Author, “How to prepare for implementation of the Corporate Transparency Act on Jan. 1,” AZ Big Media, December 20, 2023

  • Featuring, “Student Athletes and Getting Paid for Their Name,” New At 3, November 9, 2023

  • Featuring, “Blockchain Beyond Business: A Look at ASU’S Relationship with Cybersecurity Technology,” The State Press, March 21, 2023

  • Author, “Legacy Businesses: Setting up baby boomers for success,” Lovin’ Life After 50, November 14, 2022

  • Featuring, ” Legacy Businesses for 55+,” Arizona PBS, September 27, 2022

  • Featuring, “The Importance of a Proper Business Exit Strategy,” Next Avenue, September 13, 2022

  • Author, “How Baby Boomers can set up success in the sale of legacy businesses,” Daily Independent, August 26, 2022

  • Author, “Setting Baby Boomers up for success in the sale of legacy businesses,” Arizona Digital Free Press, August 2022

  • Author, “Setting Baby Boomers Up for Success in the Sale of Legacy Businesses,” inBusiness, August 2022

  • Co-Author, “Experts: Is it OK to pay your employees in Bitcoin?” Daily Independent, June 2, 2022

  • Co-Author, ” Is it OK to pay employees in Bitcoin?” AZ Big Media, May 26, 2022

  • Co-Author, “Is it time to start paying your employees in cryptocurrency?” Phoenix Business Journal, May 24, 2022

  • Author, “My View: Purchasing NFT art and sports memorabilia is the rage — but buyer beware,” Phoenix Business Journal, April 20, 2022

  • Quoted, “So, you want to take your paycheck in bitcoin?” Morning Brew, March 31, 2022

  • Interview, “Britney Spears Conservatorship Hearing,” Fox 10 Phoenix, November 18, 2021

  • Author, “My View: Why Bitcoin is gaining critical legitimacy as new asset class,” November 9, 2021

  • Interview, “Britney Conservatorship Hearing,” Fox 10 Phoenix, August 19, 2021

  • Quoted, “Britney Conservatorship Hearing,” Fox 10 Phoenix, June 23, 2021

  • Podcast, “Lessons Learned from the Rich and Famous with David McCarville,” Fenn.Talks Podcast, June 17, 2021

  • Interview, “At the Center of a Paradigm Shift,” Fennemore Blog, June 10, 2021

  • Interview, “Attorney David McCarville speaks about the importance of designating a power of attorney,” Arizona PBS, May 26, 2021

  • Quoted, “Will Bitcoin Ever Be Accepted Widely as a Form of Payment?” GO Banking Rates, April 29, 2021

  • Quoted, “Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey’s first tweet sold for $2.9 million on Sunday. The buyer said it’s the Mona Lisa of tweets,” Insider, March 24, 2021

  • Author, “Hospitals Required to Provide Patients With Transparent Pricing,” Fennemore Client Alert, September 2, 2020

  • Quoted, “Why Do Enterprise Blockchain Systems Fail? (Exclusive),” E-Crypto News, June 9, 2020

  • Quoted, “Demystifying Cryptocurrencies: Promise and Potential Lead to Growing Appeal,” Destination CRM, May 29, 2020

  • Presenter, “Key Blockchain Concepts for Corporate Counsel,” Association of Corporate Counsel, March 12, 2020

  • Presenter, “The Future of the Practice of Law and Blockchain Technology,” ASU Law School: Blockchain and Cryptocurrency Law and Policy, December 2, 2019

  • Presenter, “Blockchain Technology as a Legal Tool,” Valley Estate Planners, November 21, 2019

  • Presenter, “Blockchain for Lawyers,” Lawyers Networking Group Continuing Legal Education, October 23, 2019

  • Presenter, “Supply Chain and Real Estate Applications,” ASU Law School: Blockchain and Cryptocurrency Law and Policy, October 21, 2019

  • Presenter, “Smart Contracts,” ASU Law School: Blockchain and Cryptocurrency Law and Policy, September 23, 2019

  • Presenter, “Bitcoin: A Case Study,” ASU Law School: Blockchain and Cryptocurrency Law and Policy, August 26, 2019

  • Presenter, “Course Overview,” ASU Law School: Blockchain and Cryptocurrency Law and Policy, August 21, 2019

  • Presenter, “Estate Planning Mistakes of the Rich and Famous,” Comerica Bank, August 20, 2019

  • Presenter, “Blockchain and Cryptocurrencies,” Great West Financial, July 10, 2019

  • Presenter, “Blockchain: From Digital Currency to Smart Contracts and Beyond,” Arizona State Bar Convention, June 27, 2019

  • Presenter, “Industrial Hemp Market and Regulatory Overview,” Commerce Bank of Arizona, June 25, 2019

  • Presenter, “Estate Planning Mistakes of the Rich and Famous,” Pinnacle Peak Luxury Home Tour, June 7, 2019

  • Presenter, “Estate Planning Mistakes of the Rich and Famous,” Walt Danley Christie’s International Real Estate, April 24, 2019

  • Presenter, “Pitfalls to Avoid in Estate Planning,” Merrill Lynch, April 9, 2019

  • Presenter, “Legal Blockchain for Bright Beginners,” ASU Arkfield e-Discovery and Digital Evidence Conference, March 6, 2019

  • Panelist, “Smart Contracts and Blockchain Subcommittee,” American Bar Association Cyberspace Law Institute and Winter Working Meeting, January 24, 2019

  • Panelist, “Smart Contracts, Logistics, International Implications, and Future Applications,” Arizona Technology Council and Arizona Cyber Threat Response Alliance 2018 Cybersecurity Lunch Forum, December 12, 2018

  • Presenter, “The Future of Blockchain,” ASU Law School: Blockchain and Cryptocurrency Law and Policy, November 20, 2018

  • Presenter, “International Use Cases for Blockchain and Cryptocurrencies,” ASU Law School: Blockchain and Cryptocurrency Law and Policy, November 6, 2018

  • Presenter, “Blockchain Technology in Real Estate and Supply Chain/Logistics,” ASU Law School: Blockchain and Cryptocurrency Law and Policy, October 16, 2018

  • Presenter, “Pitfalls to Avoid in Estate Planning,” Merrill Lynch, October 3, 2018

  • Presenter, “The Legal Impacts of Blockchain Technology,” Arizona State Bar Intellectual Property Section, October 16, 2018

  • Presenter, “Smart Contracts,” ASU Law School: Blockchain and Cryptocurrency Law and Policy, September 25, 2018

  • Presenter, “Legal Implications of Blockchain Technology,” Scottsdale Estate Planners, September 13, 2018

  • Presenter, “Bitcoin: A Case Study,” ASU Law School: Blockchain and Cryptocurrency Law and Policy, August 28, 2018

  • Presenter, “Course Overview,” ASU Law School: Blockchain and Cryptocurrency Law and Policy, August 21, 2018

  • Presenter, “Legal Implications of Blockchain Technology,” Maricopa Country Bar Association, June 1, 2018

  • Presenter, “Blockchain and Cryptocurrencies,” Finemark National Bank & Trust, March 15, 2018

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