Monday Night Football: A Cultural Institution
As the official NFL schedule for the 2024 campaign is out, it’s time to plan our Monday night viewings accordingly. Monday Night Football (MNF) has become an integral part of American sports broadcasting, and its impact on the way we watch sports is undeniable.
A cultural institution
MNF’s journey began on September 21, 1970, when it first aired on ABC, revolutionizing the way we consume sports. The brainchild of NFL Commissioner Pete Rozelle and ABC Sports’ Roone Arledge, MNF brought primetime football to our living rooms, challenging the traditional sports broadcasting playbook.
The pioneers of Monday Night Football
By scheduling games on Monday nights, ABC aimed to attract a wider audience, including those who might not normally tune in for sports on weekends. This bold move threw a curveball at the standard sports broadcasting playbook, forever altering the way we watch sports.
The first-ever Monday Night Football broadcast
The first-ever broadcast featured a showdown between the Cleveland Browns and the New York Jets, setting the stage for decades of unforgettable moments and legendary performances. Epic rivalries have been elevated by the primetime options, and ever since the show debuted, NFL players have hungered to showcase their talents in front of a national primetime audience.
Legendary commentators
Let’s not forget the other ways in which Monday Night Football has become an important part of our viewing experience. The memories of listening to Howard Cosell, Frank Gifford, or Al Michaels are as meaningful as Hank Williams Jr.’s musical theme—both cultural reference points that feel as important as the game itself.
Today, Monday Night Football is still fulfilling its place on an NFL calendar that continues to expand its programming in new directions. It all began with that spark on Monday nights and will continue to showcase its importance through the 2024 NFL season.
Here’s the complete Monday Night Football schedule for 2024:
- Week 1 - 9/9 - Jets @ 49ers
- Week 2 - 9/16 - Falcons @ Eagles
- Week 3 - 9/23 - Jaguars @ Bills
- Week 4 - 9/30 - Titans @ Dolphins
- Week 5 - 10/7 - Saints @ Chiefs
- Week 6 - 10/14 - Jets @ Bills
- Week 7 - 10/21 - Ravens @ Buccaneers
- Week 8 - 10/28 - Giants @ Steelers
- Week 9 - 11/4 - Buccaneers @ Chiefs
- Week 10 - 11/11 - Dolphins @ Rams
- Week 11 - 11/18 - Texans @ Cowboys
- Week 12 - 11/25 - TBD @ TBD
- Week 13 - 12/2 - Browns @ Broncos
- Week 14 - 12/9 - TBD @ TBD
- Week 15 - 12/16 - Falcons @ Raiders
- Week 16 - 12/23 - Steelers @ Ravens
- Week 17 - 12/30 - Lions @ 49ers
- Week 18 - No MNF games
All games are scheduled for 8:15 p.m. E.T. / 7:15 p.m. C.T. on ESPN.
The iconic MNF logo
Monday Night Football has become an integral part of our sports culture, and its impact will continue to be felt for generations to come.
