A comedian just realized something kind of amazing about the NFL (that it would probably deny).

The big, rich, all-American NFL has a little secret.

Ever wonder why so many of the most successful NFL teams are from cities you’ve barely even heard of?

Places like Green Bay



…and Pittsburgh.

While the most successful baseball teams are from huge, rich, world-famous cities like New York

…and San Francisco.

One word, folks.

Yep, you heard that right.

Football, the most red-blooded, all-American, do-or-die, love-it-or-leave-it sport there is was founded on a concept so “un-American,” it would make Ronald Reagan turn over in his grave.

Here’s how it works.

In baseball, each team essentially operates as its own business.

So some teams — usually the ones from bigger cities with more fans — are richer than others. And the rich teams can spend money on better players, which leads to more championships, which leads to more TV and concession revenue, which leads to even more money and more championships.

It’s every man for himself.

In football, it’s exactly the opposite.

The 32 teams in the NFL share revenue evenly, and no one team can spend more on players than any other. This leads to much more competitive balance and, some would argue, a better game.

It’s “We’re all in this together.”

Don’t believe me? Here’s Bill Maher explaining it with jokes. <span class=”redactor-invisible-space”></span>

Education

These teachers asked kids one silly question before class. Behavior problems dropped 50%.

Making Sense of Science

Have people ever called you childlike? Psychologists say it could mean you’re gifted.

Wholesome

An Army veteran risked it all on ‘The Price Is Right’ and won the biggest single-game prize in 54 years

Culture

The fascinating origin story of the hashtag, pound sign, or whatever you call the # symbol