Life without football?

This piece from Tyler Cowen (and a co-author) ponders the end of (American) football.

I think the piece is overly pessimistic, and ignores the growth of things like pro wrestling and MMA (both responses - or perhaps causes - of the decline in boxing) as well as the partial return of roller derby. There seems to be an audience for violent sports. I expect the legal system will find ways to let that demand be realized in the marketplace.