Imagine being on a team that, due to location, has to travel double or triple the distance of a majority of the other teams in the league.
Now imagine you generate massive amounts of revenue for said organization, which a portion of is simply pocketed by ownership.
NOW, imagine those same multiple billionaires not even giving you a decent plane seat to offset the fact that you're traveling more than any other player in the league to make them millions of dollars.
Yes, you're generally doing pretty damn good financially as a player in the NFL.
But you could be rich and comfortable instead of rich and cramped in a plane seat trying to rest before and after sustaining car accident level hits to make your even MORE filthy rich owners richer.
Now imagine being on a vet minimum salary and probably only having two or three years in your entire career.
This sucks, man. Do better Vulcan
I actually agree with
@Maelstrom787
That said, I fully understand the opposing viewpoints and perception of spoiled entitlement with regard to first class.
That said.. I'll echo some of Mael's thoughts.
1. I'm an airline pilot. I can tell you that the ability to fly comfortably on long flights is transformative with regard to fatigue. When I cross ponds, having a first class or biz class seat can virtually evaporate customary jet leg. I won't even cross a pond when I leisure travel unless I can sit in biz. It seriously "adds" a day to my vacation.
2. The Seahawks travel more miles than any other team perpetually. In other words, if any team would benefit from the increased comfort of lay down seats and the abilty to rest, it's Seattle. They routinely have trips blocked at 6 hours or more.
3. My take is based on my experience in a 5'10'' "regular dude" body. I find coach and even econ + confined. I can't imagine how that seat feels to a Charles Cross or Anthony Bradford.
4. The flight home comes after three hours of violent collisions commensurate to freaking minor car wrecks. The body needs the abilty relax, stretch out, and be unrestricted to avoid clotting and cramping.
In other words, it is a
competitive advantage, not just a luxury ask perk of the job. I get it. I know these dudes are paid bank, but it makes a difference.