The NFL Players Association (NFLPA) has strongly rejected the idea of expanding the regular season to 18 games, citing concerns about player health and recovery time. Here are the full details:
Background
- Current Schedule: The NFL currently has a 17-game regular season schedule, which was increased from 16 games in 2020 as part of a new collective bargaining agreement (CBA).
- Proposed Expansion: NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has suggested moving to an 18-game schedule, possibly reducing preseason games to accommodate this change.
Opposition from NFLPA
- Health Concerns: The primary reason for opposition is player health. Many players feel that even the current 17-game schedule is too long and leads to injuries that persist into the next season[2][3].
- Recovery Time: Players argue that they need more time to recover between seasons. For example, Texans quarterback Case Keenum noted that many players don’t feel fully recovered until July[1][2].
Quotes from Key Figures
- Lloyd Howell, NFLPA Executive Director: “No one wants to play an 18th game. No one… Seventeen games is already too long for many guys”[1][3].
- Jalen Reeves-Maybin, Lions Linebacker and NFLPA President: “No way we’re doing that… Whenever anyone sees ’18th game,’ we get a little bit scared”[2].
Potential Negotiations
While formal discussions have not begun, any expansion would require renegotiating the CBA, which runs through 2030[1][5]. Players might seek concessions such as:
- Increased revenue share.
- Additional bye weeks.
- Improved playing surfaces.
- Larger rosters.
However, these negotiations have not started due to fundamental disagreements over player safety[5].
Conclusion
The proposal for an 18-game season faces significant resistance from players due to health concerns and recovery needs. While Goodell remains optimistic about potential changes, substantial hurdles remain before any expansion can be considered seriously.
Citations:
[1] https://www.foxsports.com/stories/nfl/nflpa-boss-pushes-back-roger-goodell-no-one-wants-play-18th-game
[2] https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/nfl/news/nfl-players-union-stands-against-18-game-season-declares-expansion-a-no-go-for-athletes/articleshow/117971230.cms
[3] https://www.si.com/nfl/nfl-players-association-flatly-rejects-roger-goodell-idea-18-game-season
[4] https://www.reuters.com/sports/nflpa-makes-stance-clear-no-one-wants-play-18-games-2025-02-05/
[5] https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2025/02/05/nfl-18th-game-nflpa-opposition/
