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The NFL isn't known for striking. In fact, it hasn’t had a major interruption in play since 1987, which may be the reason for its continued popularity, says New York University professor of sports management Robert Boland. As the NFL faces its first labor dispute in decades, here is a look back at the five worst shutdowns in US sports history.
Mike Webster of the Pittsburgh Steelers during the 1982 season, which was cut from 16 to nine games per team due to the players' strike. (Chuck Solomon/Icon SMI 521/Newscom/File)
4. 1982 NFL strike (Sept. 20 - Nov. 16)
Almost half of the 1982 NFL season didn’t happen. Players refused to take to the gridiron as they sought revenue sharing for TV rights, and free agency for those who had been in the NFL for three years, among other things. In the end, the NFL upped the league minimum wage, and paid the players union $60 million to bring the strike to a close.
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