Beyond the Game: NFL Players Push Back on Media Access in the Locker Room
The roar of the crowd fades, the pads come off, and the adrenaline slowly ebbs away. For NFL players, the locker room is a sanctuary—a place to decompress, address injuries, and mentally prepare for life beyond the gridiron. But for decades, this space has also been a battleground, as players and the media navigate the delicate balance between public interest and personal privacy. As the Kansas City Chiefs celebrated their Super Bowl LIX victory, a different kind of tension was brewing behind the scenes, highlighting a growing movement among players to redefine media access in the locker room.
The NFLPA’s Stance: Respect and Dignity
The NFL Players Association (NFLPA), led by Executive Director Lloyd Howell, has been vocal about the need to modernize the league’s media policy. Their argument is simple: locker room interviews, particularly immediately after a physically and emotionally taxing game, are an invasion of privacy. Players feel uncomfortable being subjected to interviews while in various states of undress, and the NFLPA believes it’s time for a change.
“Players feel that locker room interviews invade their privacy and are uncomfortable,” the NFLPA stated in October of 2024. “This isn’t about limiting media access but about respecting players’ privacy and dignity. The NFL’s current media policy is outdated. We, the NFLPA Executive Committee, urge the NFL to make immediate changes to foster a more respectful and safer workplace for all players.”
Bengals offensive lineman Ted Karras, an NFLPA representative, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the desire to “get cameras off guys in private moments in our locker room.”
The Media’s Perspective: Access and Accountability
The Pro Football Writers of America (PFWA) and other media organizations acknowledge the importance of player privacy, but they also staunchly defend the current media access policy. They argue that locker room access is essential for timely and candid interviews, providing fans with valuable insights into the game and the players who make it so captivating.
“The PFWA appreciates the NFLPA membership following the NFL media policy that has been in place for decades,” the organization stated in response to the NFLPA’s concerns. “NFL players asking to speak outside the locker room has always been part of the league’s media access policy. We are in continuing discussions with NFLPA executives regarding the media access policy. The goal is to make everyone comfortable in locker room settings and to have players and clubs follow the NFL media policy.”
The News/Media Alliance, along with six other news organizations, formally urged NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell to maintain the existing media access policy. They emphasized that locker room access allows for “off-the-record, informal conversations with players that foster relationships between the players and journalists,” leading to better coverage and a more engaged fanbase.
The Current Policy: A Balancing Act
The NFL’s media access policy, which is reviewed and updated annually, attempts to strike a balance between the needs of the media and the privacy concerns of the players. Currently, locker rooms are opened to accredited media members 10-15 minutes after the completion of a game. Clubs are required to make the head coach, quarterback, and at least one additional impactful player available for interviews.
During the practice week, teams must provide media access to players for a minimum of 45 minutes on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. While interviews can be conducted outside the locker room at the player’s request, the media must be allowed to request the interview in person within the locker room.
The policy also includes provisions for player privacy, such as requiring teams to screen shower areas from view and provide players with wrap-around towels or robes.
Players Taking Control: Exercising Their Rights
In recent months, more and more players have begun exercising their right to request interviews outside the locker room. Commanders running back Austin Ekeler, a member of the NFLPA’s Executive Committee, anticipated this trend, expecting it to start with around 10 teams. The Commanders even installed a backdrop inside their facility to accommodate larger media scrums outside the locker room.
This shift represents a significant change in player behavior, as they have historically been less inclined to utilize this option. Bengals OL Ted Karras explained that this is an “effort to protect the sanctity of the locker room and the comfort of the players,” as they aim to “get cameras off guys in private moments in our locker room.”
Potential Solutions: Finding Common Ground
The NFLPA has proposed several potential solutions to address player concerns, including:
- Designated Interview Areas: Creating separate zones where players and reporters can interact in a more structured and private setting.
- Extended Waiting Periods: Increasing the time between the end of the game and when the locker room is opened to the media, allowing players more time to dress and compose themselves.
PFWA President Calvin Watkins has expressed a willingness to engage in open and honest dialogue with the NFLPA to find a solution that works for everyone. “I want everybody comfortable in the locker room. Everyone. Especially the players,” Watkins said. “However, the best way to get this done — to get everyone comfortable — is to have open, honest and productive dialogue so that players and the media are comfortable when we’re working together to tell the best stories in the NFL.”
The Future of Media Access: A Shifting Landscape
The debate over media access in NFL locker rooms is likely to continue as the league, the NFLPA, and the media navigate the evolving landscape of sports journalism and player privacy. While the media plays a vital role in informing and engaging fans, it’s crucial to recognize and respect the players’ need for personal space and dignity.
The key to finding a sustainable solution lies in open communication, collaboration, and a willingness to compromise. By prioritizing mutual respect and understanding, the NFL can create a media environment that benefits both the players and the fans who fuel the game’s enduring popularity. As the 2025 season approaches, all eyes will be on how the league addresses this critical issue and shapes the future of media access in the NFL.