NFLPA Interim Chief: Players Oppose Adding 18th NFL Game
The NFL Players Association (NFLPA) has definitively opposed the addition of an 18th game in the regular season. During a recent news conference, NFLPA interim executive director David White emphasized that player health and safety remain a top priority for the union.
NFL Players Firmly Reject 18th Game Proposal
At the NFLPA’s annual Super Bowl week meeting, White stated, “Our members have no appetite for a regular-season 18th game.” He pointed out that discussions about expanding the schedule are serious and would require thorough negotiations considering multiple factors.
White also reassured attendees that the union is not pushing for an expanded schedule. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell acknowledged that adding an 18th game is not a “given,” though he previously mentioned it in a press conference.
Ownership Perspectives
New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft discussed the potential of an 18-game schedule during a January radio appearance. Kraft suggested that each team would play 18 regular-season games and two preseason games, optimizing the scheduling framework.
- Every team would play one game annually overseas.
- This proposal has not yet been discussed formally.
Health Concerns and Injury Rates
Both White and NFLPA president Jalen Reeves-Maybin expressed concerns about increasing injury rates associated with a longer season. White highlighted significant injuries from the current season, including those affecting key players like:
- Patrick Mahomes (Kansas City Chiefs) – ACL injury in Week 15.
- Gardner Minshew – ACL injury in Week 16.
- Quinshon Judkins (Cleveland Browns) – Season-ending leg injury in Week 16.
- Lamar Jackson (Baltimore Ravens) – Back injury in Week 16.
White noted that injuries can shorten careers and diminish potential earnings, data indicating that an average NFL career spans only three to four years.
International Game Expansion
The NFL plans to increase international game offerings, with nine games scheduled for 2026 in countries like Australia, France, and Mexico. Both White and Reeves-Maybin emphasized the inconsistencies in travel arrangements for teams, which could further affect player performance.
Goodell expressed optimism about expanding to a 16-game international schedule in the future, highlighting the interest from various global cities.
Surface and Field Conditions
In addition to discussing game scheduling, NFLPA officials brought attention to concerns about playing surfaces. While league executives presented data showing similar injury rates on artificial and natural turf, White pointed out that 90% of players prefer grass. The condition of the fields also plays a crucial role in player safety.
White commented that well-maintained grass fields are essential for ensuring the wellbeing of players, contrasting them with poorly maintained surfaces that can lead to injuries.
As the conversation around the 18th game continues, player advocacy for health and safety remains a central theme in discussions between the NFL and the Players Association.
