In 2021, the NFL expanded its regular season by 1 additional game, going from 16 to 17 games.
It was a move the league’s media partners cheered, for it was another game to sell advertising in. Owners cheered as well for it was another game for them to generate game day revenue from.
But for the players, it was a mixed reaction.
There would be some monetary benefit, especially for those with incentives in their contracts. But an additional game also meant more punishment on their bodies before the playoffs or heading off to the offseason.
At the Super Bowl LIX press conference, representatives and players were asked about expanding to 18 games, and the answer was a resounding “Hell no.”
“Right now, when I have talked to the players the last two seasons, no one wants to play an 18th game,” said NFLPA executive director Lloyd Howell. “No one. Seventeen games is already, for many of the guys, too long. Seventeen games is also so lengthy that you’re still dealing with injuries going into the next season.”
NFLPA player president Jalen Reeves-Maybin agreed.
“I don’t think anyone was really in favor of going 17 [in 2021]. I definitely think you feel it on your body. You feel the mental toll just going through the season…Actually, I would say that guys were against 17, and I think the guys are against, I know the guys are against 18.”
The vote to expand to 17 games was close, so going to 18 looks to be a futile effort.
“Eighteen games makes me cringe,” said the Commanders’ Austin Ekeler. “The 18th game, personally speaking, not speaking for membership, is something that is really outrageous.”
