Super Bowl champion Steve Beuerlein stated that fan complaints regarding the numerous streaming services required to watch NFL games are "very legitimate." Beuerlein, 61, expressed strong support for the fans' position, calling the current situation "a little bit of overkill."
The former Pro Bowl quarterback also highlighted the exorbitant cost for fans to attend games in person, noting that it's "almost unaffordable" for many families. He lamented that watching games at home has become increasingly expensive due to the proliferation of streaming services.
Beuerlein acknowledged that the NFL is a business driven by revenue streams, but he remains sympathetic to the fans' plight. Fans seeking access to all NFL games often need to subscribe to YouTube TV for "NFL Sunday Ticket" in addition to multiple other streaming platforms like Amazon Prime, Peacock, and Netflix, potentially costing over $1,500 annually.
Reports indicate the Justice Department has opened an investigation into the NFL's use of streaming services. A recent Fox News poll found that 72% of sports fans believe major sporting events should remain free on broadcast TV. FCC Commissioner Olivia Trusty noted significant public frustration with the trend of streaming migration for sports.
Beuerlein played 14 seasons in the NFL for teams including the Los Angeles Raiders, Dallas Cowboys, Arizona Cardinals, Jacksonville Jaguars, Carolina Panthers, and Denver Broncos. He was a backup quarterback when the Cowboys won Super Bowl XXVII and made the Pro Bowl with the Panthers in 1999.