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  • Backyard Banter Podcast
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 54: Kyle Crabbs - Build my own chair at the table
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 53: James Koh - Divorce the information from emotion
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 52: Will Brinson - That's how it'll have to be
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 51: Charles McDonald - Not an escape from reality
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 50: What you've learned - For you, by you
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 49: Jourdan Rodrigue - Let's see what you think then
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 48: Justin Twell - Long process to come back
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 47: Justin Lonero - It's time to relearn life
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 46: Scott Bischoff - Life presented the greatest challenge possible
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 45: Al Zeidenfeld - Little steps along the way
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 44: Jason Romano - Just a different dream
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 43: Matt Harmon - But here we are (Season 1 finale)
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 42: Gregg Rosenthal - I have to make it work or else
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 41: Jon Moore - Determiner of what I want
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 40: Uncle Chaps - Just have fun with it
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 39: Bob Harris - The best addiction I've ever had
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 38: Scott Fish - Everybody working together to make this big
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 37: Jene Bramel - Ask the questions you want answered
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 36: Mike Tagliere - Never going to leave this candy store
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 35: Ben Cummins - Starting at ground zero
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 34: Field Yates - It's the nature of what we do
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 33: Chris Heil - I gave it everything I had
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 32: Sal Stefanile - Just make them notice you
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 31: Adam Levitan - Accept an alternate lifestyle
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 30: Matthew Freedman - It's not built for everyone
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 29: George Kritikos - If your heart's not in it people notice
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 28: Marcas Grant - Certainly never expected this
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 27: Steve Palazzolo - I understand the questions that come
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 26: Matt Miller - To build bridges not burn them
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 25: Graham Barfield - A human game played by humans
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 24: Pat Daugherty - I just said yes to everything
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 23: Eric Galko - There's always work to be done
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 22: TJ Hernandez - In some roundabout way
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 21: Alex Gelhar - Homework for the rest of your life
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 20: The Fantasy Footballers - Because we were fans
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 19: Jessica Kleinschmidt - The scariest person you deal with is yourself
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 18: Evan Silva - A willingness to work hard
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 17: Jeff Risdon - It's hard to be in the middle
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 16: Cecil Lammey - Because I didn't ask for anything
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 15: Patrick Claybon - If you shine people will see you
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 14: Denny Carter - People want to know you
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 13: Adam Rank - Honestly just don't go away
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 12: Adam Pfeifer - Being happy is doing this
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 11: Mark Schofield - You get one drive in this life
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 10: Liz Loza - Ride the horse in the direction it's going
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 9: Matthew Berry - I've done it without being negative to anyone
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 8: Matt Franciscovich - Persistence is a huge deal
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 7: Matt Williamson - I got lucky, but I made my own luck
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 6: Eric Stoner - Passions are best left as hobbies
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 5: Josh Norris - You don't have to have an opinion on everything
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 4: Rumford Johnny - Elevate somebody or get out of their way
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast episode 3: JJ Zachariason - No one cares because you're not established
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast episode 2: Matt Waldman - Popular doesn't necessarily make it good
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast episode 1 - Sigmund Bloom
  • Fantasy Hipsters
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 28: We''l see you in a bit.
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 27: "Ehhh how about you people relax with that one"
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 26: Mail Satchel - Davante Adams debate & "friends of the show"
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 25: NFL Network's Top 100 Players This or That
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 24: Mail Satchel - Surviving without Charlie and Tight Ends to Watch
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 23: Jeremy Maclin reaction, news recap and did Harmon pull off that hat?
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 22: Mail satchel - WE ARE THE PODCAST OF THE PEOPLE
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 21: Reception Perception review of sleepers, breakouts and surprises
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 20: Evan Silva destroys our MFL10 hopes and dreams
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 19: Mail satchel - Will Brandon Marshall thrive with the Giants in 2017?
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 18: We Are Pretty Mad
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 17: Mail satchel - Rompers, clean eating and the 2007 NFL Draft class
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 16: NFL depth chart breakdowns and being sick of bad Eddie Lacy jokes
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 15: Mail satchel - Drafting too many rookies, breakouts and bell-cow RBs
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 14: French press vs. pour over coffee & mock draft review with James Koh
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 13: Mail satchel - Los Angeles Chargers the hipster's team of 2017?
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 12: NFL Draft rookie fits and a cast iron running back with Matt Waldman
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 11: NFL Draft preview and drumset vomit with Josh Norris of Rotoworld
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast Episode 10: Mail satchel - Dynasty debate, bad impressions and hipster bands
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 9: Perfect Prospect Parings — identifying NFL fits for draft prospects
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 8: Corey Davis, DeVante Parker and what to drink at your draft
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 7: Carlos Hyde, Laquon Treadwell and NFL Draft rookie big board part 3
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 6: Valuing Jordan Howard for 2017 and NFL Draft rookie big board part 2
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 5: NFL Draft rookie top-12 big board and in-depth beer interview
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 4: Kaepernick saga, Harmon shaves his beard and Franchise gets roasted
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast Episode 3: Eddie Lacy, Free Agency, music & beer and picking best QB roommate
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 2: Early Free Agency Fallout, Combine Standouts & Mailbag
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 1: NFL Scouting Combine preview and washed vets
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast: Teaser episode introduction
  • Reception Perception: 2017
    • Reception Perception: Investigating any correlation between the results and draft prospect age
  • The 2016 Reception Perception Project
    • Reception Perception: 11 flags planted for the 2016 season
    • Reception Perception: Nelson Agholor can bounce-back in Doug Pederson's offense
    • Reception Perception: Improved technician Donte Moncrief is set to explode in 2016
    • Reception Perception: Only one concern can hold Sammy Watkins back from his ceiling
    • Reception Perception: Bruce Ellington has a chance to flash this season with the 49ers
    • Reception Perception: Albert Wilson and the Diary of a Truther
    • Reception Perception: Willie Snead built an impressive resume we must not ignore
    • Reception Perception: Welcome the ascending Tyler Lockett to rarified status
    • Reception Perception: Kamar Aiken is the answer to the Ravens receiver riddle
    • Reception Perception: DeSean Jackson and Josh Doctson make the Washington wide receivers a strength
    • Reception Perception: Browns make a refreshing first pick in Corey Coleman
    • Reception Perception: The fruitless search for fatal flaws with Laquon Treadwell
    • Reception Perception: Why there will never be a cumulative or overall grade
    • Reception Perception: The changing variables for Torrey Smith point to a rebound
    • Reception Perception: 2016 media appearances
    • Reception Perception: Rashard Higgins - never tell me the odds
    • Reception Perception: Keyarris Garrett is a unicorn in this draft class
    • Reception Perception: Malcolm Mitchell is a top-10 receiver in the 2016 NFL Draft
    • Reception Perception: 2016 NFL draft prospects results
    • Reception Perception: Golden Tate won't be able to replace Calvin Johnson
    • Reception Perception: Jeff Janis, trump cards and sorting through the noise
    • Reception Perception: Top-four college receiver primer
  • The 2015 Reception Perception Project
    • Reception Perception Based Media Appearances
    • Reception Perception: Steve Johnson is the Surest Sleeper Around
    • Reception Perception: Target and Contested Catch Data for Sophomore WRs
    • Reception Perception: Success Rate vs. Coverage Scores for the Sophomore Wide Receivers
    • Reception Perception: Why we Must Consider the Entire Range of Outcomes for Sammy Watkins
    • Reception Perception: Data Results from Year 1
    • Reception Perception: Scanning Through the Dolphins Receiving Corps for Fantasy Answers
    • Reception Perception: Allen Robinson is Quietly on the Precipice of a Massive Breakout
    • Reception Perception: Michael Crabtree is Exactly What the Raiders’ Passing Game Needs
    • Reception Perception: Justin Hunter and Wisely Shopping the Clearance Bins
    • Reception Perception: How Kevin White Began His Ascension to the Top
    • Reception Perception: Sammie Coates Falls Along a Dangerous Archetype
    • Reception Perception: A Video Rundown of the Data
    • Reception Perception: New Browns Receiver Dwayne Bowe Bring Value to a Depleted Pass Game
    • Reception Perception: Expectations and an Odd Coupling Doomed Mike Wallace in Miami
    • Reception Perception: Andre Johnson Still has Plenty Left to Offer the Colts
    • Reception Perception: Randall Cobb Made the Right Call Sticking With the Packers
    • Reception Perception: Where Do We Go From Here, Percy Harvin?
    • Reception Perception: Devin Smith and The Value of a Trump Card (FBG)
    • Reception Perception: The Siren Song of Dorial Green-Beckham (FBG)
    • Reception Perception: Impending Free Agent Michael Crabtree
    • Reception Perception: Amari Cooper Under the Microscope (FBG)
    • Reception Perception: Sammy Watkins and Cordarrelle Patterson
  • Matt Harmon's in-season film review blog
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    • Reception Perception: Jordy Nelson and Mastering the Little Things
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    • The Arizona Cardinals Will Make the Playoffs
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    • The Commodification of NFL Players
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The Commodification of NFL Players

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By: Matt Harmon
October 17, 2013

            Somehow, some way, it has come to this. The community of football fans and a society at large, has reached a point in its history where some of their own find it acceptable to not only go to an underperforming player’s home and burn his jersey, but to actually cheer when that player exits a football game with an injury. In light of the recent unacceptable behavior shown by a certain portion of Houston Texans fans toward their struggling quarterback, Matt Schaub, it is time those in the community of NFL fans take a step back, look and honestly assess how it could come to this. For this is not the first time a fan base erupted in cheers when a player left a game with a potentially serious injury. Last season offensive tackle, Eric Winston, felt the need to correctly chastise felt the need to correctly chastise the Kansas City Chiefs fan base when they cheered as then quarterback, exited a game with a concussion. Right along side the Schaub incident last weekend some fans in the 49ers stadium could be seen doing the wave as the defensive end for their division rival Arizona Cardinals, Calais Campbell, had to be taken from the field on a stretcher with a neck injury. Members of the media have cried out in outrage for fans to get a grip on reality and remember that these players are real human beings when they feel the urge to act gleefully in light of a player’s injury. However, therein lies the problem; the public has come to view NFL players not as people, but as a commodity. Just as social theorist, Karl Marx believed that members of the bourgeois upper class came to view members of the proletariat working class as mere commodities, or material possessions whose value is only as good as what they were worth to them, so have fans come to view NFL players. Since this mindset has clearly carried some fans to truly despicable acts, it should be a mission for the rest of the fan community to examine how this mindset was born.

            One of the easiest, and probably too convenient, explanations can be found at the feet of everyone’s two favorite societal evils to blame, television and video games. As society slips further into a digital culture it has become increasingly difficult for individuals to disseminate between reality and what takes place in the digital realm. It would seem that visually seeing a player exist through the television screen would actually solidify the concept “hey, this is a real person”, but instead it could be argued that portraying the game of football on television actually only further creates the false reality of the player’s sole role as a football player. Just as television viewers come to conceptualize an actor as only their favorite sitcom characters, the NFL fan comes to only understand these men in a singular role as a player. Fans turn the television off at the end of the broadcast and are never forced to consider the players as anything more than another character that walks across their screen.

            Video games have the potential to only take things to another level of false reality. The incredibly popular Madden Football franchise creates a digital replica of all the NFL players and gives the fans the power to completely control them. Of course, Madden gives its gamers the ability to control player’s movements during simulated football games, but the power afforded to the gamer goes much deeper than that. Through the franchise mode, gamers have the option to completely alter the landscape of the NFL and a player’s fate. Jaguars fans, would you rather see Andrew Luck leading your squad rather than your division rival Colts? Madden can grant you that power. Raiders fans, are you tired of running back Darren McFadden’s constant injuries and want him off the roster all together? Pick up the controller. Do you want the ability to cut, sign, or trade any player you want without any sort of human consideration necessary? There is a copy of Madden waiting for you at your local store. This is not meant to be a condemnation of the Madden Football game, far from it, but it must be considered as a possible avenue for subconsciously dehumanizing players. When anyone can pick up a Madden game and control anything that happens to Matt Schaub, it probably becomes difficult for them to consciously differentiate Schaub the father and husband from Schaub the struggling player, even as he is assisted in limping off the field.

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Could this digital representation of players be a part of why society has turned them into mere commodities?
             All fans just want their teams to win, it seems innocent enough. Most fans have been loyal to their team through good times and bad for a number of years, and some even since birth. Fans want to be able to go into the office Monday morning and boast about their team’s win, not cower behind the water cooler after an embarrassing loss. A loss from your team can ruin your Sunday, and a win can make even food taste better. However, you feel about that mindset is irrelevant; it’s the cold hard truth of a loyal fan’s desperation in wanting to see his or her team succeed. Due to this mindset players become a simple “means to an end”. Consider this bit by comedian Jerry Seinfeld. 
Though this is made in a satirical fashion, it actually gives a pretty good glimpse into the mindset of the fan. Players exist only to fulfill the function of gathering wins for a fan’s favorite team, and when the player does something that prohibits them from fulfilling that function, like going to another team or playing poorly, that player is no longer of any use to the fan. For this reason we see fans clamor for players to be cut or benched, and why we have seen some cheer when a player the coaching staff will not bench is forced to leave the game with an injury. The fan just wants their team to win, and if the player is a mere commodity, they just need to get out of the way of victory no matter what the cost. 

            Unfortunately it seems that in some ways sports culture, and the narrative that comes with it, inherently lends itself to the commodification of its players. In the NFL, players are sent out on to the field masked in a uniform and become anonymous figures representing a larger organization. The language used to discuss players is the greatest catalyst in the commodification of players. Just like school children trade fruit roll ups for pudding packs with friends in a school lunch cafeteria, so do NFL teams trade players back and forth as mere assets. Society assigns values to its favorite commodities like clothes, cars, and cell phones, so do NFL teams assign a value to each player that hits the open free agent market. Even those in the NFL writer’s community are guilty of furthering the “players as commodities” mindset. When the New England Patriots placed Vince Wilfork on injured reserve every writer or analyst is forced to discuss and consider how that injury will affect New England’s chance at a Super Bowl title, but rarely will you see someone consider how that will affect Wilfork the man. No one writes or discusses how a torn Achilles tendon will affect Wilfork when helping his wife around the house, or how it will affect his ability to play with his three children. It is not an excuse, but it does seem that the nature of the beast we all love lends itself to the commodification of the one group who makes it all happen, its players. 

            Through a process over time and by a number of societal vehicles, it seems NFL players have come to be dehumanized and viewed as mere commodities by the fans of this great game. The goal of this theory is not encompass or condemn all football fans; rather it is merely a tool to assist those of in the NFL fan community in understanding and changing the mindset that has led some fans to commit some wicked and over the top acts. The NFL is America’s most popular sport, a thriving industry, and something that brings joy to countless individual’s lives on a daily basis, and it is the duty of the followers of the game to eradicate any and all potential evils and embarrassments that could tarnish its name. If it takes a change in the mindset of how NFL players players are viewed in order to bring those fans that cheer a player’s injury back to reality, then everyone should be up to the task. 
Images taken from:http://www.faniq.com/blog/Eric-Winstons-Response-to-Fans-Cheering-Matt-Cassels-Injury-Blog-56120
http://www.operationsports.com/forums/madden-nfl-football/504901-madden-12-retail-impressions-graphics-presentation-no-questions-discussion-21.html

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