NFL reiterates call to Congress to safeguard events from drones

Forty-five years after a drone, technically, killed an NFL fan at Shea Stadium, the league is trying to avoid similar outcomes.

Via Mark Maske of the Washington Post, the NFL has renewed its call to Congress to safeguard major sports events against drone activity.

“Over the past several years, an increasing number of drones have flown into restricted airspace during NFL games,” NFL senior V.P. of security Cathy Lanier said in a statement. “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.”

As Maske notes, the most recent AFC Championship, in Baltimore, was delayed by drove activity. The incident resulted in felony charges.

Per the league, “threats, incidents, and incursions by unauthorized drones over NFL games jumped from a dozen in 2017 to more than 2,800 in 2023.”

It should be a no-brainer for Congress to ensure that any large gathering is properly secured, from anything that could put attendees at risk. Whether it’s a drone or a flying lawnmower.