NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said he intends to replace preseason games with regular-season games “at any time” while discussing possible changes to the league’s schedule.
Goodell even floated the idea of an 18-game regular season and a shortened preseason during a TV appearance. “The Pat McAfee Show” He is from Detroit, the home of the 2024 NFL Draft.
Asked if McAfee plans to continue playing more games per season, or if there are any plans to increase the number of games, Coach Goodell said, “I think we’re doing well right now with 17 games, but listen. Please, we are always considering how to continue.” It will take him another week to expand his exposure.
Prior to the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft on April 26, 2024. X/Pat McAfee Show
“I’m not a fan of the preseason. I don’t think we need a preseason. … I just don’t buy it, they don’t think so. [the fans] I like that too.
“…But the reality is, you want to replace preseason games with regular season games any day. It’s just picking quality. So 18 (regular season) games and 2 (preseason) games. It’s not unreasonable if you reach that point.”
Goodell even went so far as to propose an 18-game schedule in the end, with Super Bowl weekend coinciding with President’s Day weekend, resulting in many fans taking the Monday after the big game off from work. is what happened.
The expanded schedule means more money for the NFL, primarily from television revenue and ticket sales.
Goodell said preseason tickets can be purchased for half the price of regular season tickets.
The NFL has gradually expanded its schedule starting in 2020, increasing the number of teams participating in the league’s playoffs from 12 to 14 and adding two postseason games.
The following year, the league increased its regular season schedule from 16 to 17 games.
Goodell went on to explain that the NFL is focusing more on replay assist technology next season amid a larger discussion about officiating across multiple leagues.
The commissioner’s comments came on the same day the NFL announced that players will be allowed to wear Guardian caps (padded soft shells worn over football helmets) in games this season.
Capped position players had a 52% reduction in concussions. According to the league.
