The NFL's ratings take a knee

The National Football League has been the heartbeat of the United States for years. It’s a heartbeat that’s slowing down now.

It’s not flatlining: The NFL is still a juggernaut, even when it’s going through ratings slumps. The Super Bowl in 2019 hit an 11-year low in ratings, but it was still watched by more than 98 million people. The Super Bowl this past February ended a four-year skid in viewership. In total, the Super Bowl has 29 of the 30 most-watched telecasts in U.S. history (the M*A*S*H finale stands strong at No. 9).