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Sports Illustrated
Sports Illustrated
Entertainment
Patrick Andres

NFL Trolls Conspiracy Theorists With Witty 2023 Script Release Video

NFL Justin Fields KeeganMichael Key Patrick Mahomes Trey Lance 49ers Cincinnati Bengals

For as long as the United States has existed, conspiracy theories and their consequences have been making news—much of it bad.

The NFL, however, chose to have some fun with one such conspiracy theory/meme two weeks before the start of the 2023 season.

The league released a minute-long video Thursday morning riffing on the concept of the league being “scripted” a la professional wrestling — complete with writers, a table read, player cameos, and Keegan-Michael Key hosting.

“Alright, everyone. Last season was a smash. Ratings gold,” Key tells a table that includes Bengals wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase, Bears quarterback Justin Fields and others. “Welcome to the table read for the 104th season of the NFL.”

Key, the writers and players then take turns brainstorming preposterous scenarios for the coming season.

The video drew plaudits from fans and observers alike.

Mascots got in on the fun, too.

Fans wondered how last season’s script might’ve been received.

One Bengals fan identified a meme that could easily be used against Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, who appears in the promo via video call.

Jilted 49ers quarterback Trey Lance unfortunately caught a stray.

Some suggested Fields could have a post-football career in acting if he so chose.

Any way you slice it, the video captured the attention of a football-starved, joke-happy, and occasionally truth-deficient nation.

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