Everything Everywhere Daily · Thursday, August 27, 2026
Competition for top talent between the AFL and NFL escalated into 'babysitting wars,' where teams employed scouts to guard college seniors under fake names in motels to prevent rivals from signing them. This intense bidding for players became unsustainable for both leagues.
“The NFL adapted quickly and began drafting the same players into its league that the AFL was drafting into theirs, sparking fierce bidding wars that eventually became known as the babysitting wars.”
“To secure top players, teams hired scouts to act as bodyguards.”
“In a rather ridiculous display, the two leagues often checked players into remote motels under fake names, fed them steak dinners, hid them from opposing scouts, and guarded the hotel doors.”