Jon Gruden Critiques Thursday Night Football

Former NFL coach Jon Gruden recently voiced his opinion on the Thursday night games, suggesting they should be canceled. Speaking on Fox Sports’ “Wake Up Barstool,” he criticized the Denver Broncos for their lackluster 10-7 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders the previous week, claiming it was unfair to the athletes involved.

Gruden humorously remarked, “Let’s start with ‘Thursday Night Football.’ What a treat. No preparation, no time to recover, no chance. Don’t play Thursday night games. Throw them away.” He emphasized that such scheduling is challenging for both players and coaches, questioning how one could maintain high performance without adequate preparation.

Concerns related to player safety have emerged about these Thursday night matches. With teams often facing just three days to recover after a Sunday game, there are questions about the feasibility of such arrangements. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, however, expressed confidence in the current system, asserting that the league does not compromise player safety. He noted, “I don’t think we’re prioritizing Amazon over our players…The data doesn’t show a higher injury rate.”

Historically, Thursday night games have presented a mix of memorable moments. There have been blowouts, low-scoring affairs, and even controversial injuries. Fans always have something to discuss following these games.

Moreover, Amazon has secured an 11-year deal for media rights with the NFL starting in 2023, ensuring that Thursday night games will continue despite the protests. It seems there will be no quick resolution to the dilemmas surrounding player welfare and game scheduling anytime soon.