And yes just the one.

You think race is a huge factor in it and while I agree that is possible I think there is also another area that could play an even bigger role in this. ESPN has already lost viewers due to mixing politics and social injustice issues with sports. People watch sports for enjoyment and escape from the pressures of everyday life. They have all kinds of outlets to get all they want of that type stuff without it bleeding over into sports. There will always be fans for the NFL but they will likely lose a segment of fans just as baseball lost me years ago.

Perfect example to me. I used to try to play golf when I was in my 30's. I started out trying to be better than I was or could be without any training and it was frustrating to the point I left a broke club in the woods on 1 course. I quit for a year because it wasn't fun. I picked it back up with the focus solely on having fun. Had a friend who had the same issue I did when we went together. Would get so mad and frustrated it sucked all the fun out of it for me. I quit asking him to play with me. I didn't want the drama. NFL fans don't want the drama, they just want to immerse themselves in  the game and cheer for the team.

Ont the one hand, whether its right or wrong, athletes are viewed as heroes in our society (particularyly by the young) so that they have a pulpit in which to speak on important topics.   This is particularly true for black athletes, because there is still a dearth of black role models in this country outside of sports.

There is always criticism, though.   Some people think atheltes should just shut up and entertain us on the field.   OTOH, the top athletes who do not take sides on political/race issues,  like Tiger Woods, are then criticized for not taking the opportunity to "help the cause."

I personally don't care what most athletes have to say about social/political issues, but I do not fault them for trying to use their position of celebrity to make a difference.   However, if they are going to do it, they need to have an educated, well thought, coherent message.   And they need to be prepared for the backlash they will receive no matter what their message may be.