The National Football League (NFL) is urging Congress to take immediate action as the escalating drone crisis poses significant risks to the safety of major sporting events, including the upcoming Super Bowl.
The NFL has highlighted the alarming increase in unauthorized drone activity over stadiums, a trend that has sparked safety concerns and disruptions during games. Earlier this year, the AFC Championship game between the Kansas City Chiefs and Baltimore Ravens faced an unexpected interruption when a drone was flown over the stadium in Baltimore, forcing a temporary halt to the game for safety reasons.
A Growing Threat
The league has reported a staggering rise in unauthorized drone incursions, jumping from just 12 incidents in 2017 to over 2,800 in 2023. This dramatic surge has amplified fears about potential threats to public safety and critical infrastructure.
In a statement, Cathy Lanier, the NFL’s Senior Vice President of Security, called on Congress to enact legislation that would bolster protections for large-scale events like NFL games.
“Over the past several years, an increasing number of drones have flown into restricted airspace during NFL games,” Lanier said. “With the nation’s attention now focused on drones, we again call on Congress to protect critical infrastructure and mass gatherings such as major sporting events.”
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Legislative Challenges
Despite the urgency expressed by the NFL and other organizations, efforts to address the drone crisis have faced roadblocks in Congress. On Wednesday, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer’s attempt to fast-track a bill aimed at empowering state and local authorities to address unauthorized drone activity was blocked.
New Jersey, one of the states most affected by unexplained drone activity in recent weeks, has taken decisive action. Authorities in Nassau County have been granted permission to shoot down drones flying over mass gatherings to safeguard the public.
A Broader National Concern
The drone crisis extends beyond sports. Biden administration officials have stated that many of the recent drone sightings involve commercial aircraft, but some lawmakers are skeptical. House Foreign Affairs Committee Chair Michael McCaul has raised concerns about the possibility of adversarial nations using drones for espionage.
“We want answers, but the response I’m getting is we don’t know whose drones these are,” McCaul said. “Drones have been reported over military sites and bases. I would not think those are friendly. I would think those are adversarial.”
McCaul specifically pointed to China as a potential culprit, citing evidence that the country has strategically acquired farmland near U.S. military installations.
“I believe they’re spy drones,” McCaul added. “The PRC and communist China are very good at this. They’ve bought land around military bases, and this aligns with their recent behavior.”
Super Bowl Security
With the Super Bowl just weeks away, the NFL is intensifying its push for action. The league fears that without stronger regulations and enforcement, the safety of fans, players, and staff could be jeopardized.
The NFL’s call to action underscores the growing need for comprehensive drone legislation to protect critical infrastructure, mass gatherings, and national security interests. As the drone crisis continues to evolve, federal and state authorities will need to collaborate to address this complex and urgent issue.
