America is obsessed with football – a love affair that has allowed the NFL to tighten its already firm grip on our culture despite mounting scandals.

The big picture: From brain damage to toxic workplaces to allegations of racism, the NFL is no stranger to outrage. Then Sunday comes, and all is seemingly forgiven.

• That will be the case again this week, as the same networks that are currently reporting on the Brian Flores lawsuit and commander harassment allegations will begin promoting the Super Bowl.
• NFL fans, like these networks, have shown a willingness to separate product from business, which has rendered the league impervious to gaffes that would doom most organizations.

State of play: The NFL has arguably never been more entertaining than it has been this season, delivering unparalleled parity, a record number of close games and heart-pounding playoff drama.

• The league accounted for 41 of the 50 most-watched US shows in 2021, which is why its media partners are willing to pay more than $100 billion over the next decade-plus to broadcast games.
• The sale price of the Broncos could exceed $4 billion, which would shatter the record for the sale of the richest sports team. Sunday’s Super Bowl will be played in the most expensive sports hall ever built (~$5.5 billion).

The other side: The NFL has reached those heights despite spending the past decade mired in controversy. A few demons that won’t go away:

• Brain damage: In 2013, the NFL agreed to a $765 million settlement after retired players alleged the league hid what it knew about concussions. A few years later, a neuropathologist examined the brains of 111 deceased NFL players, and all but one had CTE, a brain disease linked to repeated blows to the head.
• Racism concerns: About 70% of NFL players are black, but Mike Tomlin is the only active black head coach. There’s also the practice of “racial normalization” used in the concussion settlement, the Jon Gruden emails and the Kaepernick saga and the collusion lawsuit.
• Lack of accountability: NFL investigation into misconduct allegations in Washington has not been transparent, and Commanders owner Dan Snyder can control whether results are made public – a reminder that Roger Goodell is working for the owners, not with them.

By the numbers: NFL fans may be divided on issues like kneeling during the national anthem, but in general most feel the same about the league: they love it.

• 51% of Americans are professional football fans, according to a 2021 Axios-Ipsos poll. No other sport reached 40%.
• That includes 51% Democrats, 50% Republicans and 55% independents. The NFL is also favored by black and white Americans.