NFL Players Union Opposes Proposed 18-Game Season

NFLPA leaders cite health and safety concerns, while NFL commissioner Roger Goodell suggests expanded schedule could be negotiated.

NFLPA executive director Lloyd Howell stated that players are overwhelmingly against expanding the regular season to 18 games, citing physical toll and injury risks.
Roger Goodell indicated that an 18-game schedule could be a possibility, but formal negotiations on the matter have not yet occurred.
Players emphasized the strain of the current 17-game schedule, with many reporting they do not fully recover until the offseason is nearly over.
Key issues for potential negotiations include additional bye weeks, roster expansions, improvements to playing surfaces, and increased revenue sharing for players.
The current collective bargaining agreement, which runs through 2030, would need to be reopened for any changes to the season length to be implemented.