Opinion

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Text by Mary Pilon

Visuals by Dru Donovan

Ms. Pilon is a documentary filmmaker and former New York Times sports reporter. Ms. Donovan is a photographer and professor based in Portland, Ore.

The N.F.L. has never been more prosperous or more popular, reportedly generating more than $23 billion in revenue last year. The league just kicked off its 106th season. But it still faces

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