The NFL Isn’t “Fixed”… But It’s Definitely Influenced
By Scott King
Is the NFL fixed? Every Sunday, fans swear it is — every flag, every missed call, every “miracle” drive feels scripted. But here’s the truth: the league doesn’t need to send out a secret memo telling refs who should win. The fix isn’t a conspiracy — it’s cultural.
The Unwritten Rules Behind the Whistle
I’ve worked in corporate America for decades. In every company, there are unspoken rules about who gets promoted and who doesn’t. Nobody writes them down, but everyone knows them. You look around and realize what kind of people rise to leadership, what kind of decisions get rewarded, and what “playing the game” really means.
The NFL works the same way. Referees aren’t robots; they’re employees inside a billion-dollar entertainment business. They don’t need a memo to understand what kind of storylines sell tickets and pull ratings. They just have to look at who gets the spotlight — and who doesn’t.
Respect and Reputation Drive Calls
The NBA has “superstar calls.” Everyone knows it. LeBron gets the whistle; a rookie doesn’t. The NFL has the same ecosystem. A rookie cornerback breathes on a receiver and it’s pass interference. A veteran All-Pro does the same thing and it’s “good coverage.”
It’s not corruption — it’s conditioning. Refs “learn” who deserves the benefit of the doubt. Quarterbacks are even more protected. Some QBs get hit and the flag comes out before the defender even stands up. Others take the same shot and get nothing.
That’s not a fix — that’s hierarchy.
The Business of Storylines
Let’s be honest: the NFL’s partners love their stars. Patrick Mahomes in the Super Bowl moves product. Lamar Jackson vs. Josh Allen is ratings gold. A small-market backup QB? Not so much.
Referees know which games go to primetime. They know who gets playoff assignments and who calls the Super Bowl. Nobody needs to say, “Make sure Mahomes wins.” They already know what the league — and its sponsors — want to see.
You don’t need a conspiracy when you have a culture that rewards certain outcomes.
The Real Fix Isn’t Rigged — It’s Reinforced
So, no, the NFL isn’t fixed like professional wrestling. But it is influenced by human behavior, business incentives, and cultural bias.
Referees understand which calls keep games “entertaining.” Broadcasters lean into narratives that keep fans emotionally invested. The result? A league that feels scripted — because the incentives all point in the same direction.
There’s no grand puppet master. Just people doing what they’ve been subtly taught to do: protect the brand, reward the stars, and make sure America tunes in next week.
That’s not a fix.
That’s just business.