Behind the Shield: The Power and Politics of the NFL
An eye-opening look at the history of politics and propaganda in the NFL.
94 mins
Celebrated author and Nation magazine sports editor Dave Zirin tackles the myth that the NFL was somehow free of politics before Colin Kaepernick and other Black NFL players took a knee.
Dave Zirin
Self
Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf
Self (archive footage)
John Facenda
Self (archive footage)
Alvin Roy
Self - NFL Strength Coach (1968-77) (archive footage)
Josh Hawley
Self (archive footage)
Andrew Luck
Self (archive footage)
Wesley Walker
Self - Former NFL Wide Receiver (archive footage)
Brad Leggett
Self - Former NFL Center (archive footage)
Ray Lucas
Self - Former NFL Quarterback (archive footage)
Greg Gaines
Self - Former NFL Linebacker (archive footage)
Jeremy Newberry
Self - Former NFL Lineman (archive footage)
Steven Silverman
Self - Attorney for NFL Players (archive footage)
Ann McKee
Self (archive footage)
John Conyers
Self (archive footage)
Ray Rice
Self (archive footage)
Vince Lombardi
Self - Green Bay Packers Coach (archive footage)
Dwight L. Chapin
Self - Deputy Assistant to Pres. Nixon (archive footage)
Dave Meggyesy
Self (archive footage)
Kevin Mawae
Self (archive footage)
Paul Tagliabue
Self (archive footage)
Rodney Harrison
Self - Former NFL Safety (archive footage)
Couy Griffin
Self - Founder, Cowboys for Trump (archive footage)
William C. Rhoden
Self - Sports Journalist (archive footage)
Jon Gruden
Self (archive footage)
Randy Moss
Self - Hall of Fame NFL Receiver (archive footage)
Carl Nassib
Self - Las Vegas Raiders (archive footage)
John Amaechi
Self - Former NBA Player, Author (archive footage)
Chris Long
Self - NFL Defensive End (archive footage)
Jeremy Earp
Producer
Jeremy Earp
Editor
Dave Zirin
Writer
Jeremy Earp
Director
Loretta Alper
Producer
Jeremy Earp
Writer
Dave Zirin
Co-Producer
Daniel Marracino
Director of Photography