The NFL loves L.A., that much is clear.
But L.A. may just be in like with professional football.
As the league tries to choreograph a bidding war to get a team or two into the nation’s second-largest market, there are plenty of people who wonder if the people there are interested.
Emily Kaplan of TheMMQB.com explored that subject, asking more than 100 locals from all walks of life about a potential return of the NFL after 20 years away. She found, as she described: “one overarching theme: apathy.”
Many think the region is doing just fine without the NFL, with so many other entertainment options, and practically pro sports such as Southern Cal and UCLA football (Diddy! Kettlebell! Sal Alosi!).
And in their reporting, Kaplan found plenty of people to say “Meh.” Their quotes are eye-opening, and utterly believable.
Of course, they also don’t matter even a little bit.
The thing Los Angeles has more than fan passion or a burning desire for professional football is the thing the modern NFL is built upon — money.
And as long as that’s there, there will eventually be a team or teams there. And then the true passion of fans (i.e. their willingness to part with their legal tender) will be tested on a more scientific platform.