Pats-Eagles Super Bowl Caps Off Year Of Controversy For NFL47:15

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With guest host Anthony Brooks. 

The Super Bowl matchup between the juggernaut New England Patriots and underdog Philadelphia Eagles kicks off on Sunday. But it's a down year for the NFL, with news about concussions and political fights prompting boycotts and low ratings.

We go to Minnesota to ask about America's most popular sport — and whether it will stay that way.

Shira Springer, sports and society reporter at public radio station WBUR in Boston. (@ShiraSpringer)

Kevin Blackistone, sports columnist at the Washington Post. (@ProfBlackistone)

Scott Simon, host of NPR's Weekend Edition Saturday. (@nprscottsimon)

WBUR: WBUR Poll: For Head Injuries, Football Fans Support Regulation, But Haven't Changed Viewing Habits — "On average, based on numbers released by the NFL, there’s close to one concussion per game during the regular season. Numbers may be higher because players are still reluctant to self-report potential concussion symptoms."