Editor's note: This story is a part of a series by USA TODAY Sports called Project: June. We will publish at least one NFL-themed story every day throughout the month because fans know the league truly never sleeps.
The NFL season doesn't start for several months but that doesn't mean we can't step into a time machine and look into the future. Particularly, examining some of the problems the league may face in the coming 2025 season.
Some of these issues are more tactile while others are more theoretical. But they are all potentially problematic. Here are five to look out for:
Hate generates interest. Not that the NFL needs more people watching. There's plenty, of course. The NFL averaged 17.5 million viewers last season, down about 2% from the previous year. One of the things that has always made the league even more watchable is hating a player or team. The Patriots were remarkable villains during their dynastic years. Historic team. Accused cheaters. Accused football deflators. Arrogant. They were historic bad guys.
There's really no entity like that now. Every team in the league is likeable. Go ahead. Name a team that's even in the same universe as those Patriots. Yes, you may hate the Cowboys because they're the Cowboys. But Dallas hasn't been truly relevant on the field in decades. They're too average to hate.
