"I'm not claiming that football is the nation's salvation in this area, but it's one of them, one little thing that apparently has captured the imagination of a large sector of our society. But when football can't be a relatively pure outlet, a fun thing, then it hurts itself"

Pete Rozelle is suggesting that football can be a positive force in society, offering an enjoyable outlet for individuals to come together and share a common interest. He acknowledges that football is not the only service to the country's problems, but it is one of numerous. He thinks that football can be a source of joy and home entertainment, but if it is not kept pure and fun, it will eventually harm itself. This is a reminder that football ought to be kept as a positive force in society, and not be used for any other purpose. It is a pointer that football must be taken pleasure in for what it is, and not be utilized as a tool for any other program.