Climate change is an immediate concern that is beginning to influence various facets of our everyday existence, including our cherished sports.

The National Football League (NFL), renowned for its vigorous physicality, dedicated fanbase, and prominent games, is increasingly confronting the repercussions of a warming climate. Traditionally, football is associated with the cooler months of fall and winter; however, it is now vulnerable to the extreme heat and erratic weather patterns resulting from climate change.

In early October 2024, spectators at the San Francisco 49ers’ home match against the Arizona Cardinals experienced a stark reminder of the climate’s transformation. The temperature during the event soared to an alarming 98°F, an unusually high reading for a fall football game.

In response to the oppressive heat, the 49ers implemented a notable adjustment to their uniforms, opting for red jerseys with white pants instead of the traditional red jerseys and gold pants to better reflect the heat. Coach Kyle Shanahan conveyed to ESPN his hope that this minor modification would provide some respite, underscoring the reality that climate-induced heat challenges have become a significant issue.

Extreme heat presents significant dangers for athletes, including risks of dehydration and heat stroke. Symptoms associated with heat exhaustion, such as dizziness, faintness, fatigue, and an increased heart rate, pose serious threats to players as they push their physical limits during competitions.

In critical situations, heat stroke can lead to severe health complications, including organ failure, cardiac arrest, or even fatality. Although this particular event did not result in a tragedy, the likelihood of heat-related health issues is markedly elevated in the current climate, where escalating global temperatures are affecting various areas, including those that host NFL events.

While the climate issues confronting the NFL may appear minor in the context of the larger global climate crisis, they actually mirror broader environmental trends. Recently, the planet recorded its highest average temperatures, exceeding pre-industrial levels by 1.5°C (2.7°F), which serves as a pivotal benchmark in climate research.

The increase in temperatures, impacting multiple sectors, has introduced new challenges for sports organizations, and the NFL is certainly not exempt from these effects.

The Impact of Rising Temperatures on NFL Cities

A recent analysis conducted by Climate Central, using data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) spanning from 1970 to 2024, has uncovered alarming trends regarding temperature increases in NFL cities nationwide. The study indicates that the average temperature across the 30 NFL cities has escalated by approximately 2.8°F over the last five decades. The extent of these temperature changes varies, with certain cities, particularly those located in the Sun Belt, witnessing more significant increases than others.

For example, cities such as Las Vegas and Minneapolis have recorded notable warming, with temperature rises of 5.1°F and 5°F, respectively. In contrast, Los Angeles has experienced a relatively modest increase of 0.4°F; however, even this minor change carries its own set of consequences. It is noteworthy that every NFL city, with the exception of Los Angeles, has recorded a temperature increase of at least 1°F.

This trend is especially concerning for cities in the Southern region, where the extreme heat during July training camps and the initial games of the season can present significant health hazards.

For instance, Phoenix recorded a temperature rise of 4.4°F, while Houston and Dallas noted increases of 3.5°F and 3.3°F, respectively. Teams such as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, New Orleans Saints, and Dallas Cowboys are also grappling with the implications of escalating temperatures, which impact both their training activities and game performances.

Conversely, northern cities like Minneapolis, Cleveland, and Green Bay are not exempt from this warming trend. These regions are experiencing significant temperature rises, with Green Bay also seeing an increase of 4.4°F. Interestingly, this warming can sometimes result in severe winter weather, including blizzards, due to shifts in regional climate dynamics.

The occurrence of milder winters leading to a rise in winter storms is particularly significant for cities adjacent to the Great Lakes. As these lakes fail to freeze as they historically did, they absorb more moisture, which is subsequently released as snow.

This phenomenon contributed to events such as the December 2024 blizzard that heavily impacted Buffalo, forcing the Bills to compete against the 49ers under difficult conditions.

How Warm Weather Is Affecting NFL Players

The consequences of rising temperatures extend beyond mere alterations in weather patterns. The heightened occurrence of excessively hot days significantly influences the preparation and performance of NFL teams.

Climate Central reports that numerous regions across the United States are now experiencing an additional week of extreme heat compared to the early 1970s. Specifically, NFL cities have recorded an average increase of 14 more days of extreme heat, raising serious health concerns for players, particularly at the beginning of the football season.

Heat stress and heatstroke pose substantial risks to athletes’ health, especially during training and early-season matches. Jen Brady, a senior data analyst at Climate Central, highlights that such heat-related illnesses can adversely affect the cardiovascular and respiratory systems, thereby elevating the likelihood of injuries or long-term health issues.

While the Super Bowl, usually hosted in milder climates, may not encounter these severe conditions, the league is undoubtedly facing the repercussions of a changing climate, necessitating heightened focus on player safety.

The Regional Disparities in Climate Change Effects

Various regions across the United States have encountered differing degrees of climate change effects, and the cities hosting NFL teams are no exception. Sun Belt cities, including Phoenix, Houston, and Tampa Bay, are facing heightened temperatures, while Midwestern cities like Minneapolis and Cleveland have also recorded significant warming trends.

NFL franchises in these locations must navigate the risks associated with heat-related health issues and the unpredictability of extreme weather conditions.

Conversely, certain cities have not witnessed as drastic an increase in temperatures. For instance, Jacksonville, Florida, has experienced only a 1.5°F rise. Mid-Atlantic cities, such as Baltimore and Washington, D.C., have similarly recorded moderate temperature fluctuations, around 1.6°F. Other urban areas, including New York and Kansas City, are also experiencing relatively minor temperature changes.

Nevertheless, even in these regions, the rise in extreme weather occurrences is significant. The increasing unpredictability of weather patterns presents challenges for scheduling, safety, and conditions on game days. The NFL, renowned for its commitment to providing exceptional entertainment, now faces the dual challenge of safeguarding its players while ensuring that fans can continue to enjoy the sport.

Expert Editorilal Comment

As the repercussions of climate change intensify, it is evident that the NFL and other prominent sports leagues must implement substantial modifications. This includes adapting to extreme heat during training camps and ensuring player safety amid increasingly erratic weather conditions during games.

The league’s proactive measures in response to climate change will be vital for safeguarding the health of its athletes and preserving the integrity of the sport. The NFL’s capacity to tackle climate-related issues will not only contribute to the sustainability of the game but will also convey a significant message regarding the necessity of addressing climate change on a global scale.

In light of the escalating urgency surrounding the climate crisis, it is imperative for all sectors, including sports, to take prompt action to mitigate their environmental footprint.

The NFL is uniquely positioned to set a precedent, whether by implementing sustainable practices or advocating for policy reforms that target the fundamental causes of climate change. The future of the NFL will rely on its adaptability, as well as on the collective efforts of society to combat the global warming that is reshaping every facet of our lives, including our cherished sports.