Pats-Eagles Super Bowl Caps Off Year Of Controversy For NFL

With guest host Anthony Brooks. 

The Super Bowl matchup between the juggernaut New England Patriots and underdog Philadelphia Eagles kicks off on Sunday. But it's a down year for the NFL, with news about concussions and political fights prompting boycotts and low ratings.

We go to Minnesota to ask about America's most popular sport — and whether it will stay that way.

Shira Springer, sports and society reporter at public radio station WBUR in Boston. (@ShiraSpringer)

Kevin Blackistone, sports columnist at the Washington Post. (@ProfBlackistone)

Scott Simon, host of NPR's Weekend Edition Saturday. (@nprscottsimon)

WBUR: WBUR Poll: For Head Injuries, Football Fans Support Regulation, But Haven't Changed Viewing Habits — "On average, based on numbers released by the NFL, there’s close to one concussion per game during the regular season. Numbers may be higher because players are still reluctant to self-report potential concussion symptoms."