The NFL is considering adding an additional game to the regular season, with Commissioner Roger Goodell suggesting the move in April of 2021. This came after the league had already expanded from 16 to 17 games in the same year. Goodell initially proposed moving the Super Bowl to Presidents’ Day weekend and assured that player health and the quality of the game would not be compromised with the additional game. However, not all players are on board with the idea, as Indianapolis Colts offensive lineman Ryan Kelly expressed his opposition to the proposal. Kelly, who serves as the Colts’ representative for the NFL Players Association, believes that the toll on players both physically and mentally would be too much to bear with an 18-game season.
Kelly emphasized the challenges and sacrifices that players make to prepare for each game, highlighting that fans may not fully grasp the demands of the sport, especially when it comes to the physical and mental toll of playing multiple games per week. He also raised concerns about the impact of eliminating preseason games on undrafted players and late-round picks who rely on those opportunities to showcase their abilities and potentially secure a spot on a team. Despite the allure of an extended season, Kelly believes that the potential drawbacks and strain on players outweigh the benefits of adding more games.
The decision to increase the number of games in the NFL season ultimately lies with the NFL Players Association, which must agree to the change. While some players may be in favor of expanding the season, there are still concerns about the toll it would take on players’ bodies and overall well-being. Kelly’s perspective sheds light on the challenges that players face both physically and mentally throughout the season, and the potential impact that an additional game could have on their health and performance. The NFL Players Association would need to carefully consider the implications of such a change before moving forward with expanding the regular season.
Despite the potential benefits for the league and fans, including an extended season and more games to watch, the opposition from players like Ryan Kelly underscores the concerns about player well-being and the toll that an 18-game season could take. With only 51.5% of players voting in favor of going from 16 to 17 games, the decision to add more games to the season is not unanimous among players. The debate over the potential expansion of the NFL season will continue as players, league officials, and fans weigh the pros and cons of increasing the number of games played in a season. Ultimately, the decision will be made based on the best interests of the players, the league, and the fans.
