NFL fans erupted in anger after Commissioner Roger Goodell advocated for an 18-game regular season schedule. During a Bloomberg TV interview on Friday, he labeled the expansion as the next "logical step" for the league.
The NFL's schedule evolution tells a story of steady growth. The league played 12 games (1947-1960), moved to 14 games (1961-1977), then 16 games (1978-2020), before reaching the current 17-game format in 2021.
Goodell backed his proposal by referencing the league's safety record.
"If we continue to focus on the safety, I think 18 is a potential," he said.
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He emphasized that injury rates haven't increased since implementing the 17-game schedule.
Social media platforms buzzed with immediate backlash. Supporters accused Goodell of prioritizing profits over player health, while others pointed to the need for additional rest periods during an expanded season.
"Bro tryna speed run CTE," one user posted.
While another declared: "Dude DOES NOT care about player safety lmao."
A third fan demanded better protection: "2 bye weeks at this point if you really care about player safety."
The financial implications sparked another wave of critical responses.
"More games, more money," one fan noted bluntly.
Another showed acceptance; "Everyone knew this was coming. As a fantasy player I say no thanks, but I know its inevitable."
One user stated firmly; "Players don't want it."
Joe Burrow's Pro Bowl break proposal for Roger Goodell's expansion debate
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow offered an innovative solution to address the extended season's challenges. His plan would maintain existing bye weeks while adding a mid-season break featuring Pro Bowl activities.
"I think it would be cool to have the normal bye week schedule ... but then, like Week 13, do like the Pro Bowl break," Burrow said last year via SI.
His vision includes 7-on-7 competitions and skills challenges similar to the NBA's format.
The proposed expansion faces significant hurdles. Any schedule changes require NFL Players Association approval. They would also need a reopening of the current collective bargaining agreement, which runs through March 2031.
Roger Goodell's expansion vision extends beyond domestic borders. The commissioner aims to double international games to 16 in the upcoming years. The Pittsburgh Steelers will lead this initiative, preparing to host their first international game in Ireland.
The league's previous schedule changes offer a historical perspective. Before the current 17-game format, the NFL saw odd-numbered schedules only during strike-shortened seasons in 1982 and 1987. Also, there was an 11-game schedule around World War II (1937-42, 1946).