Beyond that, maybe robot football would take off instead. Sort of like in the movie Real Steel, where robots brought boxing back to prominence.
I think this is great point. Transition the game to avatar like mode with skilled players at the controls. Human element still present using players pilots and NASCAR like sponsorship of individual robots and drivers. Think of CS, AI, Engineering programs that would have a boost. Also, video game training of players starting in grade school which Madden already has a "lock" on. Doesn't FOX have that Cleatus Mascot that already is a fan favorite of this type of thinking. Now to the question becomes home come we don't remove the drivers from NASCAR and replace with Avatars.