Abdul El-Sayed Questions Ethics and Safety of Football

Abdul El-Sayed, a Democratic candidate for the U.S. Senate from Michigan, has raised questions about football culture. His concerns focus on whether America’s most popular sport is ethical, especially considering the risks associated with chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) and perceived links to toxic masculinity and violence.

An audio clip from a podcast episode in 2023 has resurfaced, in which El-Sayed expressed his doubts about the sport. He questioned the ethics and safety of football, asking, “Is there a version of football that’s actually ethical and safe? What would need to change?”

El-Sayed has previously voiced his concerns about football. Earlier this month, he released a video critiquing the cost of attending NFL games. In the video, El-Sayed is seen engaging with a football, discussing high ticket prices and other expenses such as concessions.

He remarked, “It’s gotten way too expensive,” pointing out that football, which is supposed to unite people, is instead creating divides based on financial means. He also highlighted that many football stadiums receive taxpayer subsidies, yet prices continue to rise.

In October 2021, El-Sayed wrote about the toxic masculinity present in America’s most popular sport and in men’s sports culture more broadly. He described this concern as deeper than isolated incidents or public controversies.

Despite having played football himself and serving as captain of his high school team, El-Sayed has criticized certain aspects of the sport culture. However, he has also defended masculinity and criticized Democrats who downgrade men. He frequently shares fitness-related content on social media to engage male voters.

Fox News Digital has reached out to El-Sayed for further comment.