"That number is measured in ticket and merchandise sales as well as the advertising value of the time ESPN, FOX, CBS and others have spent either talking about the football team and its coach or broadcasting its games."
Douthat’s opinion-writing background, which I once viewed as a liability, actually helped him here. He thinks about big questions for a living. Therefore, he knew where to push Trump beyond the usual talking points.
"I get to talk about sports on a daily basis. I haven't lost the fandom for these teams. This is what I want to do, be as successful as possible. And do it for as long as I possibly can."