Different sport. Different owners. Different clubhouse.

Yet, it's all the same.

Players can go through the motions. Even play hard at times. In the final analysis. What ownership does in these moments dictates to the players what the actual plan is. Do I need to push myself to the limits, or can I fake it a bit and collect my paychecks?

Words are meaningless. Jerry Jones says publicly, in the lead up to the 24 season, "we are going all in". Then he dicks around with contracts. Brings in a FA rb(Zeke) with an empty gas tank.
They watch good players leave. Practice squads raided to replace the departed. How does the roster respond? Good effort, but not that extra "push the limits" play that is required to be a true contender. A marginal injury they might play thru in a championship season. Instead becomes multiple weeks on the inactive list.

The Wilfs sent the right signals leading up to the 2024 season. Really good players were added to replace the departing "stars". The players sense it, that those moves panned out very good. But the team still needs some upgrades. Somebody to push nailor, another pass rusher to increase the bodies in the rotation. Push the existing players. Another cb, as Gilmore's full time roll starts to wear him down.

The true NFL contenders are adding. Just as it was the twins players that watched the competition add while the Pohlads hired crickets.
If the Viking go "crickets" in the moment. You can expect the Vikings to limp to the finish. Happy to collect paychecks while they plan those February golf vacations.

Max effort is a 2 way street.
As is leaning back in the chair contemplating wealth.