Cleats vs. Kicks: Why NYC Football Still Sits in Basketball’s Shadow

Growing up in New York City, one thing has always been true—if the weather hits 60 degrees or more, there’s always a court with at least two people getting shots up. That’s just how it is. Seeing a group of kids tossing around a football, though? That’s a rarer sight. But why is that?

Sure, NYC is considered the “Mecca” of basketball, and the legacy backs it up. We’re talking names like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Pearl Washington, and Stephon Marbury—icons born from city blacktops and high school gyms. But here’s the thing: we literally have three NFL teams representing New York. So why doesn’t football in NYC get the same love or spotlight as hoops?

Some would argue it’s about star power—more basketball legends have come out of the city. But if you dig a little deeper, the football roots run just as deep. Think about names like Sid Luckman, Art Monk, John Mackey, and even Gronk. NYC has produced some serious football greatness, too.

My concern isn’t about comparing legacies—it’s about the imbalance in attention and resources. Football in NYC often feels underfunded, underpromoted, and overlooked. From limited access to equipment and facilities to a noticeable lack of media coverage, the support just isn't the same.

And here’s the kicker: NYC football is producing talent at the same level. According to On3’s 2024 rankings, at least 10 football players from New York state were ranked among the top D-I recruits nationwide. In comparison, seven basketball players made the On3 Top 150 list. The talent is clearly here.

So what’s missing?

Is it about connections—do we need more coaches plugged into college pipelines? Do we need football’s version of boosters, handlers, or AAU-style platforms like hoops has? I don’t know the exact answer, but one thing’s for sure:

It’s time for the NYC sports spotlight to shine a little brighter on football.