NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has unveiled an ambitious vision: the 2025 season may feature a record-breaking eight international games, with potential host cities including Mexico City, Madrid, Rio de Janeiro, Dublin, and Munich. Goodell’s bold push aims to extend the NFL’s reach across the globe, bringing American football to enthusiastic new audiences. But not everyone is thrilled-especially some of the league’s top players. Star tight end Travis Kelce voiced serious doubts over the strain these plans place on players and hinted at his growing frustration with Goodell’s aggressive international expansion. Could these changes even prompt Kelce to consider stepping away from the league?

Goodell’s vision

Goodell recently detailed his global expansion strategy, stating, “We’re definitely going to Spain, that’s confirmed. We expect to return to Mexico City, Brazil, and the U.K. Ireland is a strong possibility, and we’ll certainly be back in Germany. If that totals eight games, that’s what we’re aiming for.”

Goodell’s goal is clear: to take the NFL from coast to coast and across the Atlantic. However, the strain of constant travel, limited rest, and the health toll of jet-setting has some players questioning whether the league’s ambitious growth agenda might be too much.

The Kelce brothers speak out

On their podcast, New Heights, brothers Travis and Jason Kelce shared their concerns about the grueling travel and logistics involved in these global plans. “Isn’t this too much?” Travis asked pointedly. “They want to send us to the moon next?” His half-joking comment speaks to the growing frustration over the physical toll these international games demand.

Jason expressed similar concerns, joking that he supports international games-as long as his team, the Philadelphia Eagles, mostly stays home. “I’m all in on international games, as long as most of the Eagles games are still in Philadelphia,” he commented.

Travis even suggested that if the NFL insists on pushing international boundaries, they should look at destinations that make sense, like Australia. But despite his humor, Kelce’s repeated remarks suggest he’s tired of these extensive changes. Insiders speculate that if Goodell’s plans keep ramping up, it may lead to players like Kelce seriously reconsidering their future in the league.

A growing tension

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While the international games bring undeniable excitement, players face a heavy price. Multiple international games mean even more grueling travel, limited recovery, and a packed schedule that can erode both mental and physical stamina. According to some sources, the costs of these changes are beginning to outweigh the thrill for players. With Kelce’s comments hinting at his frustration, fans wonder whether Goodell’s international vision could push some of the NFL’s biggest names, like Travis Kelce, to question their long-term commitment to the sport.

In a previous episode of New Heights, Travis mentioned that he’d even be open to playing for a London-based team if the NFL pursued permanent overseas franchises. But with the growing fatigue over international travel, it’s becoming unclear if he and others will remain open to such drastic changes-or if the NFL’s global vision will ultimately drive players like Kelce to consider stepping away sooner rather than later.