I’ve covered the NFL just about my entire adult life, over 30 years, and there was often this axiom that still exists: the NFL is dead in the month of June. No one cares about it. Everything shuts down. Interest dies. The league basically disappears from the minds of fans.
But is that really true?
There’s a phrase that’s become one of my favorites: ‘narrative dominance.’ It’s used a lot in politics, but it applies to this idea about the NFL. The narrative is that you, the NFL fan, ceases caring about the league in the month of June. So let’s test that narrative.
USA TODAY Sports will publish a story each day of the month for Project: June. We will cover the NFL universe from the lighthearted to the serious.
If you wish you could draft your fantasy team now starting with that No. 1 overall selection (pick Ja’Marr Chase first, trust me on this), this series is for you. If you dream of season openers, tune in. If the Eagles’ various Super Bowl celebrations dance in your head, over and over…and over, this is your place.
There seems to be always an NFL itch, and we will scratch it for you. Or something like that.
I once had a conversation with Hall-of-Famer Michael Strahan and he mentioned how important it was to take some time away from football after the season, but by the time the summer came around, he deeply missed it.
You may feel the same way. If you do, this will be the place for you in June.
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