Front Office Football Central - View Single Post - Detroit's Dark Knight: The Des Moines Dragons Reborn

revrew · 08-18-2018, 11:24 AM

By 2025, the "Second Great Recession" had decimated what was left of the already crumbling Detroit, leading to the municipality's third bankruptcy filing. Previous efforts to rejuvenate the downtown had been abruptly halted by the riots of 2021, and the city's population had dwindled to less than 200,000 souls living a wasteland of abandoned buildings and empty streets.

It became clear the city could no longer support many of its proud professional sporting teams. What's more, the Ford family – owners of the Detroit Lions – had suffered heavy losses and looked to unload the unprofitable NFL franchise.

The NFL, meanwhile, faced troubles of its own. Surging regional divides across the nation had boosted the popularity of college football, as fans flocked to cheer for local universities instead of regional NFL teams. Federal "free college" programs had further cemented the NCAA's growing fan base. And with a long-lagging economy, the NFL saw its share of Americans' diminished entertainment dollars being crowded out by college ball.

In short, Detroit was done. The NFL was desperate for a solution. And in their desperation, the NFL owners turned to a man they didn't fully understand …

08-18-2018, 11:24 AM	#2
revrew Team Chaplain Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Just outside Des Moines, IA	By 2025, the "Second Great Recession" had decimated what was left of the already crumbling Detroit, leading to the municipality's third bankruptcy filing. Previous efforts to rejuvenate the downtown had been abruptly halted by the riots of 2021, and the city's population had dwindled to less than 200,000 souls living a wasteland of abandoned buildings and empty streets. It became clear the city could no longer support many of its proud professional sporting teams. What's more, the Ford family – owners of the Detroit Lions – had suffered heavy losses and looked to unload the unprofitable NFL franchise. The NFL, meanwhile, faced troubles of its own. Surging regional divides across the nation had boosted the popularity of college football, as fans flocked to cheer for local universities instead of regional NFL teams. Federal "free college" programs had further cemented the NCAA's growing fan base. And with a long-lagging economy, the NFL saw its share of Americans' diminished entertainment dollars being crowded out by college ball. In short, Detroit was done. The NFL was desperate for a solution. And in their desperation, the NFL owners turned to a man they didn't fully understand … __________________ Winner of 6 FOFC Scribe Awards, including 3 Gold Scribes Founder of the ZFL, 2004 Golden Scribe Dynasty of the Year Now bringing The Des Moines Dragons back to life, and the joke's on YOU, NFL! I came to the Crossroad. I took it. And that has made all the difference.