An Experimental Investigation of Fan Reactions to NFL Players and Teams Regarding Competition Decisions

As top-athletes compete in fewer sporting contests, this experimental investigation explored reactions of National Football League player decisions to compete or not compete in a season, and explored fan segments by gender and adult status. Linear mixed effects modeling examined fans’ reactions to competition decisions, and a mixed ANOVA examined fans’ emotions. Across two studies, fan groups expressed similar reactions where players were not perceived more negatively for not competing, and team perception was not impacted. However, fans expressed positive perceptions of players when a family concern was expressed and they did not play; negative perceptions resulted when a family concern was expressed with a decision to play. Further, fans expressed similar emotions to not competing, including not being revolted, but emerging adult-aged women were more likely to be proud and stressed from a player for not competing than men. Practitioner implications include highlighting athletes’ various on-the-field and off-the-field roles.