Michigan U.S. Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed has expressed concerns about football culture, calling into question the ethics and safety of the popular American sport. This discussion surfaced in an online audio clip shared by the Republican Party. In a 2023 podcast episode, El-Sayed, a Democratic candidate, addressed the potential risks of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) for players and the sport’s association with toxic masculinity and violence.

El-Sayed asked, “What is it about this brutal sport that keeps us coming back? Is there a version of football that’s actually ethical and safe? What would need to change?” These inquiries reflect his critical stance on the sport’s current state.

El-Sayed has consistently raised issues with football. Earlier this month, he released a video highlighting concerns about the escalating cost of attending NFL games. In the video, he is seen throwing and catching a football while commenting on the high prices of tickets and concessions.

“It’s gotten way too expensive,” he remarked, emphasizing that what should unite us, like football, often divides those with resources from those without. He pointed out that many football stadiums receive taxpayer subsidies, yet ticket prices continue to rise.

In October 2021, El-Sayed discussed the deeper issues surrounding men’s sports culture, stating that “the toxic masculinity at the heart of America’s most popular sport — and men’s sports culture more generally — is way deeper than a few emails or a Jay-Z turnaround.” He underscored the pervasive nature of these cultural challenges.

Despite his critiques, El-Sayed, who played football and served as the captain of his high school team, called sports his “lifeline.” He has defended aspects of masculinity and criticized Democrats for speaking condescendingly to men, often sharing fitness-related content to connect with male voters.

Fox News Digital has reached out to El-Sayed for further comments.