An article written by ESPN's Darren Rovell shared the survey data and results.
J.D. Power sampled a universe of 9,200 people who went to at least one football, basketball, or hockey game.
The survey found that twenty-six percent watched fewer games due to national anthem protests.
Former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick began his protest during the 2016 NFL preseason.
Following a preseason game against the Green Bay Packers, Kaepernick told NFL Media reporter Steve Wyche, "I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of color. To me, this is bigger than football and it would be selfish on my part to look the other way. There are bodies in the street and people getting paid leave and getting away with murder."
Other survey results reported by Rovell:
- Twenty-four percent of those surveyed stated they watched fewer games due to domestic violence and other off-the-field issues.
- Twenty percent watched fewer games due to excessive commercials.
- Sixteen percent were more interested in the 2016 presidential race.
- Five percent watched fewer games because they terminated their cable.
Overall, networks that broadcast professional football games saw an 8 percent drop in viewers during the 2016 season compared to the 2015 season. However, the survey also found that 62 percent of people tuned into just as many games as they did during the previous season.
Written By:
Bret Rumbeck has been writing about the 49ers since 2017 for 49ers Webzone and 49ers Hub. He is a Turlock, CA native, and has worked for two members of the US House of Representatives and one US Senator. When not breaking down game film, Bret spends his time seeking out various forms of heavy metal. Feel free to follow him or direct inquiries to @brumbeck.
All articles by Bret Rumbeck
Bret Rumbeck
Bret Rumbeck has been writing about the 49ers since 2017 for 49ers Webzone and 49ers Hub. He is a Turlock, CA native, and has worked for two members of the US House of Representatives and one US Senator. When not breaking down game film, Bret spends his time seeking out various forms of heavy metal. Feel free to follow him or direct inquiries to @brumbeck.
All articles by Bret Rumbeck
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
49ers will travel to Philadelphia for NFC Wild Card Game on Jan 11
The San Francisco 49ers will travel to Philadelphia to play the defending Super Bowl Champion Eagles next weekend in the Wild Card round of the NFC playoffs. The 49ers are the 6th seed in the NFC, which means they will play a much tougher opening round game than if they had... -
San Francisco 49ers opponents for 2026 season announced
The 2026 opponents for the San Francisco 49ers have been announced. The 49ers finished third in the NFC West and will play a third-place schedule next season. The 49ers will have nine home games and will go on the road eight times. Here are the 2026 opponents: Home Las Vegas... -
Kyle Shanahan shares 49ers updates ahead of playoff game vs. Eagles
San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan spoke with reporters during a conference call on Monday, two days after the team's 13-3 loss to the Seattle Seahawks, and as the team prepares for its Wild Card playoff game against the Philadelphia Eagles. Here's everything he... -
49ers vs. Seahawks: NFL insider suggests Trent Williams may miss Week 18
The San Francisco 49ers may be without left tackle Trent Williams—quarterback Brock Purdy's most trusted protector—when they face the Seattle Seahawks on Saturday night at Levi's Stadium. The Week 18 matchup will decide the NFC West champion and the NFC's No. 1 seed, giving...