The NFL should take a page out of the Premier League's playbook and release audio from crucial replay decisions. Last fall, the ACC let viewers into the replay booth, but the NFL has yet to follow suit. Imagine the drama and transparency that could come from hearing the officials deliberate on game-changing calls.
Just this past Sunday, a league title and the futures of two teams hung in the balance during a critical replay review. The losing team's players and coaches were furious, and the team demanded the league release full video and audio of the deliberations. Less than 48 hours later, the league did exactly that—live on national television. That's standard procedure in the English Premier League, which airs a weekly Match Officials Mic'd Up program.
The NFL would do well to adopt a similar approach. Not only would it shore up arguably its biggest vulnerability—trust in officiating—but it would also be an absolute gold mine for American sports' kings of content. Take the recent VAR decision in the Arsenal vs. West Ham match. Arsenal was leading 1-0 when West Ham scored off a corner kick to tie the game. The goal would have had seismic consequences: it would have knocked Arsenal out of the Premier League title race and possibly saved West Ham from relegation, a move that could cost the club tens or even hundreds of millions of dollars.
After a lengthy review, referee Chris Kavanagh went to the on-field monitor and quickly decided the obvious: West Ham forward Pablo fouled Arsenal goalie David Raya, pulling his arm down and impeding him from making a save. No goal. Arsenal won the game—and likely the league—five minutes later. The heavy stakes made the audio released Tuesday all the more fascinating. On the very first slow-motion replay, video assistant referee Darren England let out an enormous sigh when he realized what he saw: the foul that went uncalled.
For sports fans who love the gear and the game, this kind of transparency builds trust and excitement. Imagine hearing the refs discuss a controversial touchdown or a game-ending penalty in real-time. It's the ultimate behind-the-scenes content that could elevate the NFL's already massive appeal.