The NFL is renowned for its intense physical demands. The relentless contact in every play, combined with the players’ extreme speed and strength, makes it one of the most grueling leagues in the world. It is almost impossible for a starting player to finish the season without some injury, whether severe or minor. Consequently, the league employs top-notch doctors and facilities to help players recover week to week, as there is no rest once the season begins if the goal is to win a championship.

Since 2021, an agreement between the league and the NFLPA (Players Association) has seen each team play 17 games over 18 weeks, with each team receiving one bye week over just over four months. Tough, right? Well, it seems that the NFL is considering adding another game to the schedule. According to Cowboys Chief Operating Officer Stephen Jones, an 18-game NFL regular season is on the horizon. “I’m on the competition committee. We’ve talked about this knowing that it’s probably inevitable,” Jones said on the Scoop City podcast.

What Exactly Did Jones Say?

“I do know, at the end of the day, the players enjoy the compensation that’s coming their way, and they get, for the most part, half of every revenue dollar that comes through the door. So, they’re certainly getting paid well. We all know when we go to 18 games, our revenue’s going to jump, and that should only help in terms of money available to pay players and get them the compensation they deserve.”

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Many players voiced their discontentwhen the 17-game schedule was approved, but Jones believes that when the players see the additional money generated from an extra game, and how much of that would go to them, they’ll come around. As the saying goes, “money talks.” For fans, the prospect of more NFL action is exciting, but for the players, it might not be so appealing. The saying “the bull looks calm from the stands” aptly describes the situation.

A Thoughtful Proposal from Joe Burrow

In light of this topic, it appears that Joe Burrow, who has a 5-year, $275,000,000 contract with the Cincinnati Bengals, had already considered this. He suggested on “Pardon My Take” that if the NFL extends to 18 games, there should be two bye weeks. He proposed that one of these bye weeks should be around Week 13 for the entire NFL, with Pro Bowl festivities during that week, similar to the NBA’s All-Star weekend. For now, fans can enjoy the upcoming season and wait to see if the 18-game schedule is proposed and accepted at the annual owners’ meeting when the season finishes.