Photo Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images / USA TODAY Sports via Reuters
NFL Players Association (NFLPA) executive director Lloyd Howell Jr. pushed back against NFL commissioner Roger Goodell’s recent comments about the possibility of expanding the regular season to 18 games. Speaking at the NFLPA’ annual news conference on Wednesday, Howell questioned Goodell’s claim that safety data does not discourage adding another game.
“Frankly, we’re not sure how he’s reaching that conclusion based on the data we’ve been given access to,” Howell said.
Players Oppose Longer Season
Howell’s comments came two days after Goodell’s state of the league address, where the commissioner suggested an 18-game season with two preseason games “might be a possibility.” Goodell pointed to record-low concussion rates in 2024 as a reason for potential expansion.
However, Howell made it clear that players are not in favor of adding another regular-season game. The league expanded from 16 to 17 games in 2021, and Howell suggested that even that increase has negatively impacted player health.
“No one wants to play an 18th game. No one,” Howell said. “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. So, there are a variety of issues that hang off of the length of the season before any formal negotiations.”
No Formal Negotiations Yet
Both Howell and Goodell confirmed that discussions about an 18-game schedule have been informal. The current collective bargaining agreement (CBA), which runs through 2030, dictates the season length, meaning any changes would require approval from both owners and players.
“Any commentary outside of a formal negotiation is just commentary,” Howell said. “It’s a players’ decision as to what they will agree to do or not.”
Before any serious talks on an expanded schedule, Howell said factors like roster size, player workload, and travel demands must be considered. He also pointed to the league’s growing focus on international expansion, questioning how an extended season would fit into a schedule that already includes global travel.
Player Safety and Travel Concerns
Howell raised concerns about the strain the current schedule already places on players. He cited teams playing three games in 10 days and the Green Bay Packers’ upcoming trip to Brazil, which will require them to fly there and back within 48 hours. Howell also brought up the issue of playing surfaces, saying there is still work to be done to ensure safer conditions for athletes.
Revenue Sharing and Private Equity
Beyond the schedule, Howell discussed financial matters, particularly the league’s rising value and the introduction of private equity investments. The Buffalo Bills and Miami Dolphins have already sold minority stakes to investment firms.
“The league has never been more valuable,” because of the NFL’s growth and the recent rule change that allows private equity firms to buy small stakes in teams.” Howell said.
“The new role of private equity in the league has made me think about how every other industry incentivize their top talent by giving them equity, so that when the organization becomes more valuable, the employees share it. We look forward to working with our members to determine how we can explore compensation structures that provide the right performance incentives while also providing them income security they deserve, including benefiting more from the value they create.”
Darius Slayton Wins Alan Page Community Award
The NFLPA also announced New York Giants wide receiver Darius Slayton as the recipient of the Alan Page Community Award. Voted on by players, the award recognizes an athlete who makes a significant impact off the field. Other finalists included Saints linebacker Demario Davis, Ravens running back Derrick Henry, Colts center Ryan Kelly, and Vikings safety Camryn Bynum.
Related Content: NFL HOF Spotlight: Randy Moss
This report used information from ESPN.
