What would happen if the NFL loses it's Antitrust Exemption?

The NFL has an antitrust exemption that allows it to collectively negotiate TV rights.  The NFL uses this exemption to effectively create a monopoly for professional football.  

How does the NFL use it's antitrust exemption to create a monopoly?

Simple, viewership of professional football games is extraordinarily popular and lucrative.  Advertisers pay premiums to place commercials during NFL games and all of the networks crave the broadcast rights that the NFL controls.  The NFL has done an extraordinary job of both making broadcasters fight for those broadcast right but also allocating rights to everybody who broadcasts.  The implied threat of denying those rights keeps everyone out there from even considering the option of supporting a competitive league.

If ABC or CBS or Amazon or ESPN were to ever consider supporting another professional football league the NFL's reaction would be swift (and monopolistic).  They would punish that network by restricting access to broadcasting NFL games. 

The NFL does not want it's fan base to understand what the impact on the market for professional football would be if it were to lose it's antitrust exemption. 

The Brown BLog intend to try to explain this in the coming months.    In a nutshell, if the NFL were to lose it's antitrust exemption the long term impact would be that the free market would rule.  That would be great for consumers, but really bad for most NFL teams, except the Dallas Cowboys and a few others.   But even that would be good for consumers.

Stay tuned. 

Top 10 Lists: The Top 10 Linebackers in Cleveland Browns History

 Ranking the top 10 linebackers in Cleveland Browns history can be subjective, but here is a list based on their contributions, impact on the team, and overall performance:

1. **Clay Matthews Jr.** - Arguably the greatest linebacker in Browns history, Matthews played 16 seasons with the Browns, earning four Pro Bowl selections and being a key defensive leader.

2. **Jim Houston** - A four-time Pro Bowler and two-time All-Pro, Houston was a versatile player who excelled at both defensive end and linebacker during his 13 seasons with the Browns.

3. **Dwayne Rudd** - Known for his athleticism and playmaking ability, Rudd had a significant impact during his time with the Browns, including leading the team in tackles multiple times.

4. **Andra Davis** - A consistent and reliable presence in the middle of the defense, Davis was a tackling machine and team leader during his six seasons with the Browns.

5. **Mike Johnson** - A key member of the Browns' defense in the late 1980s and early 1990s, Johnson was known for his toughness and leadership, earning Pro Bowl honors during his tenure.

6. **Chip Banks** - A dynamic playmaker, Banks was named NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year in 1982 and earned multiple Pro Bowl selections during his time with the Browns.

7. **Dick Ambrose** - Nicknamed "Bam-Bam," Ambrose was a hard-hitting linebacker who played ten seasons with the Browns and was a key part of their defense in the late 1970s and early 1980s.

8. **Walt Michaels** - A standout linebacker in the 1950s, Michaels was known for his toughness and intelligence, helping lead the Browns to multiple championship appearances.

9. **John Thierry** - Though his time with the Browns was brief, Thierry made a significant impact with his pass-rushing ability and versatility as a linebacker and defensive end.

10. **Matt Blair** - Though more known for his time with the Minnesota Vikings, Blair had a productive stint with the Browns, bringing experience and leadership to the linebacker corps.

This list may vary depending on personal preferences and criteria, but these players are widely recognized for their contributions to the Cleveland Browns.

Top 10 Lists: The Top 10 Running Backs in Browns History

Using rushing yardage as a Brown as the critieria, I asked ChatGPT to list the top 10 running backs in Browns history and write a short summary of each.  Here they are:

Here are the top ten running backs in Cleveland Browns history based on rushing yards, listed from highest to lowest:

1. Jim Brown (12,312 yards)

 Jim Brown, considered one of the greatest NFL players of all time, played for the Browns from 1957 to 1965. He led the league in rushing yards eight times and was a nine-time Pro Bowl selection. His powerful running style and remarkable athleticism set numerous records.

2. Leroy Kelly (7,274 yards)

 Kelly played for the Browns from 1964 to 1973, succeeding Jim Brown. He continued the team's dominance in the rushing game, earning six Pro Bowl selections and leading the league in rushing yards twice.

3. Mike Pruitt (6,540 yards)

Mike Pruitt was a standout running back for the Browns from 1976 to 1984. Known for his consistency and durability, Pruitt made two Pro Bowl appearances during his career

4. Nick Chubb (6,511 yards)

Chubb, currently with the team, has been a dominant force since his debut in 2018. Known for his explosive runs and breakaway speed, Chubb has quickly climbed the ranks to become one of the top rushers in franchise history.

5. Greg Pruitt (5,496 yards)

Greg Pruitt, who played from 1973 to 1981, was known for his agility and versatility. He was a five-time Pro Bowl selection and contributed significantly to the Browns' offense both as a runner and receiver.

6. Kevin Mack (5,123 yards)

Playing for the Browns from 1985 to 1993, Mack was a key part of the Browns' backfield in the 1980s. He made two Pro Bowl appearances and was known for his tough, bruising running style.

7. Marion Motley (4,712 yards)

Motley, a Hall of Famer, played from 1946 to 1953. He was instrumental in the Browns' early success, including their AAFC and NFL championships. Motley was known for his powerful running and versatility as a linebacker.

8. Earnest Byner (3,364 yards)

Byner played for the Browns from 1984 to 1988 and again from 1994 to 1995. He was a versatile back, known for his running and receiving skills, making significant contributions to the Browns' offense.

9. Ernie Green (3,204 yards)

Green played for the Browns from 1962 to 1968. A reliable and steady performer, he contributed both as a rusher and receiver, complementing Jim Brown and Leroy Kelly in the backfield.

10. Isaiah Crowell (3,118 yards)

 Crowell played for the Browns from 2014 to 2017. He was known for his strong, downhill running style and provided consistency in the Browns' rushing attack during his tenure.

These players have made significant contributions to the Browns' legacy with their impressive rushing performances over the years.

Otto Graham: The True QB GOAT

Nothing against Tom Brady but he played when NFL rules made it much more difficult to defend receivers.   Otto Graham was the best QB in NFL history, just ask ChatGPT which I've decided to try.  If AI is good enough for major news outlets to consider using to replace human journalists, why not the Brown BLog?

We will note when and where we use ChatGPT to write up a piece, here's the first:

My question to ChatGPT  Defend the opinion that Otto graham was the best quarterback in nfl history

ChatGPT's answer:  Defending the opinion that Otto Graham was the best quarterback in NFL history involves highlighting his exceptional achievements, statistical dominance, and significant impact on the game during his era. Here are key points to support this view:

1. **Unparalleled Winning Record**

Otto Graham led the Cleveland Browns to ten consecutive championship games in his ten-year professional career (1946-1955), winning seven of them. This includes four All-America Football Conference (AAFC) titles and three NFL championships. His consistency in leading his team to the finals every year is unmatched in football history.

2. **Impressive Statistics**

Graham's career statistics are remarkable, especially considering the era in which he played:

- He led the NFL in passing yards five times.

- He led the league in touchdown passes three times.

- His career passer rating of 86.6 was the highest at the time of his retirement, a remarkable feat given the less passer-friendly rules of his era.

3. **Dual-Threat Ability**

Graham was a versatile quarterback who could both pass and run effectively. He rushed for 44 touchdowns in his career, showcasing his ability to impact the game on the ground as well as through the air.

4. **Influence on the Game**

Graham's play helped revolutionize the quarterback position and offensive strategies in professional football. His ability to read defenses and make quick, accurate decisions set a new standard for quarterbacks. He was instrumental in the Browns' adoption of the T-formation, which became a staple in the NFL.

5. **Accolades and Recognition**

Graham was a three-time NFL MVP (1951, 1953, and 1955) and was selected to five Pro Bowls. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1965, highlighting the lasting impact of his career.

6. **Leadership and Intangibles**

Graham was known for his leadership on and off the field. His poise, intelligence, and competitive spirit were integral to the Browns' sustained success. Teammates and opponents alike respected his ability to perform under pressure.

7. **Contextual Dominance**

When comparing quarterbacks across eras, it’s essential to consider the context in which they played. Graham's dominance during the 1940s and 1950s, a time with fewer protections for quarterbacks and more physical defenses, underscores his exceptional talent and adaptability.

Conclusion

While modern quarterbacks benefit from advancements in training, strategy, and rules favoring the passing game, Otto Graham's accomplishments in his era stand out as extraordinary. His winning record, statistical achievements, dual-threat capability, and influence on the game make a compelling case for considering him the best quarterback in NFL history.