Why Don’t Running Backs Get Paid Anymore? (Update)

The podcast explores the decline in value and salaries of NFL running backs despite the league's soaring revenues. It attributes this trend to the increasing emphasis on the passing game, driven by rule changes and a shift in fan preferences toward higher-scoring, pass-heavy offenses. Brian Burke, a sports data scientist, explains how his analytics demonstrated the superior value of passing over running, influencing team strategies. The 2011 collective bargaining agreement, limiting rookies' contract negotiation power, further devalued the position. Former NFL running back LeSean McCoy argues this is unfair, as quarterbacks are often overpaid relative to running backs. The podcast also considers the physical toll on running backs, leading to shorter careers and teams opting for "running back by committee" approaches.