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There are plenty of things surrounding the game of football that annoy the common fans like you and I. We dream about the things we’d do differently if we were in a position of power, and I’ve written a list of things I’d work on fixing. I realize not everything contained below is under the direct influence of the NFL commish, but a man can dream can’t he?

1. Stadiums wouldn’t be allowed to sell off their naming rights
Football is supposed to be tough, so why are we playing games on “Lincoln Financial Field” or “Lucas Oil Field” or everyones favorite… “University of Phoenix Stadium” in Arizona. Not only do these sound lame, I bet all the corporate stiffs at these companies get great tickets that could be going to real fans.

Would this result in a loss of revenue? Absolutely, but if you truly want to be a fan friendly operation, everything can’t be about the money. Google loses over $100 million dollars a year from their “I’m Feeling Lucky” button, but they haven’t removed it. Sometimes you have to bite the bullet for your customers.

2. Excessive touchdown celebrations would be legal
And when I say “excessive”, I mean referees wouldn’t throw a flag for anything other than spiking the ball like they do now. I don’t believe there should be an “anything goes” atmosphere, because some celebrations are over the line (like Terrell Owens’ infamous Dallas Star run), but in general players aren’t given very much freedom.

Go ahead and let the guys have some fun.

3. John Mellencamp’s “This Is Our Country” Chevrolet commercial NEVER airs during football again
“From the east coast, to the west coast, down the dixie highway…..”

If you’re watching football on Sunday, you’ll see this commercial no fewer than 15 times, it gets annoying….and I haven’t had an urge to buy a Chevy yet.
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ESPN has delivered a crushing blow to the world of comedy by replacing Emmitt Smith on NFL Countdown with Cris Carter. How dare they take away Mr. Smith’s “rice of passage” by letting Cris move in on his territory. It’s not like Carter has his own prestigious trading card or anything.

The good news is Emmitt will remain on the ridiculously long version of Monday Night Countdown, as well as the on-site post game show with Stuart Scott and Steve Young.

[ProFootballTalk]