Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX) is facing widespread backlash after suggesting that NFL playoff games should be moved to domed stadiums “to level the playing field” following a snow-filled weekend of postseason football.
Cornyn made the remark Sunday in a post on X as several divisional playoff games unfolded amid harsh winter conditions, including a snowy matchup in Foxborough, Massachusetts, where the New England Patriots hosted the Houston Texans at Gillette Stadium.
“To level the playing field, shouldn’t NFL playoffs be held in domed stadiums?” Cornyn wrote.
To level the playing field, shouldn’t NFL playoffs be held in domed stadiums?
— Senator John Cornyn (@JohnCornyn) January 19, 2026
The post quickly went viral, racking up over two million views.
The suggestion immediately drew criticism from football fans and conservative commentators alike, many arguing that weather is a core part of the sport’s tradition—and that both teams play under the same conditions.
“Wtf do you mean ‘to level the playing field’?” one user wrote.
“It’s not like one team plays in the snow while the other doesn’t in an open air stadium.
“They’re both playing in the same weather.”
Conservative Critics Push Back
Several prominent conservative voices were blunt in their responses.
Activist Robby Starbuck wrote:
“No, why are all your ideas so bad?
“Hope Ken Paxton takes your seat.”
Others framed Cornyn’s comment as emblematic of what they see as a growing disconnect between Washington Republicans and grassroots conservatives.
“If I wanted socialism, I’d move to the Europoor Union,” wrote the account Three Year Letterman, while another commenter dismissed the proposal as “literally communism.”
Political strategist Siraj Hashmi mocked the senator by asking whether a sitting U.S. senator could be deported, while legal analyst David French added:
“Senator, a terrible take.
“Football in the snow is glorious.”
Criticism Crosses Ideological Lines
The criticism was not confined to the Right.
Progressive commentators also piled on, with activist Olivia Julianna sarcastically declaring:
“JOHN CORNYN WANTS WOKE DEI FOOTBALL!”
Others questioned Cornyn’s Texas bona fides.
“Are you sure you’re from Texas?” activist Charlotte Clymer asked, while conservative personality Nick Adams responded simply, “No. That would be soft.”
Weather as Part of the Game
The NFL has long treated weather as a defining feature of postseason football.
Snow, wind, and cold have historically served as equalizers, rewarding physical teams built for late-season play.
Some of the league’s most iconic moments have unfolded in blizzards and sub-zero temperatures in cities such as Green Bay, Buffalo, and Foxborough.
On Sunday, the Patriots advanced to their first AFC title game in years after forcing four interceptions from Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud, one returned for a touchdown, in a frigid Foxborough showdown.
Cold but warmer than Pittsburgh last week. We have seen snow but nothing sticking so far. Steady snow expected at 4pm #Patriots #Texans pic.twitter.com/Xk3qcOItJn
— Jane Slater (@SlaterNFL) January 18, 2026
Cornyn has not responded to the backlash, but the reaction underscored how deeply fans, and many conservatives, view outdoor playoff football as an essential part of the sport’s identity.
READ MORE – ‘Insane’ Leftist Mob Blocks Arrest of Child Abuser in Minnesota
Our comment section is restricted to members of the Slay News community only.
To join, create a free account HERE.
If you are already a member, log in HERE.