NFL-Players union pushes back on 18th game expansion idea

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By Amy Tennery

NEW ORLEANS (Reuters) – NFLPA Executive Director Lloyd Howell slammed the door on the idea of adding an 18th game to the NFL regular season on Wednesday, saying that “no one” among the players had any interest in expanding the schedule.

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell told reporters this week that advancements in safety and training could help pave the way for an 18-game season after the league and its players’ union negotiated the addition of a 17th game beginning in 2021.

“No one wants to play 18 games – some guys don’t even want to play 17, just given the toll it has on their body and the lack of time to recover,” said Howell.

He also questioned how an expanded season would work alongside the NFL’s overseas ambitions, as the league announced on Wednesday it would hold its first ever game in Australia in 2026.

Goodell previously said he would like to see as many as 16 international games per season.

“I heard the commissioner remark recently that the league has made enough progress on health and safety to expand the regular season. Frankly, we’re not sure how he is reaching that conclusion,” said Howell.

“The Packers flew from Green Bay to Brazil and back in 48 hours (this season). Players are feeling the physical toll.”

Both Goodell and Howell said that they had not had any negotiations on an 18th game, with the commissioner telling reporters they had engaged in “informal conversations” on the issue.

“Fans love football, they want more football, but we have to be incredibly sensitive and smart about the balance and how we deal with that,” Goodell said on Monday.

(Reporting by Amy Tennery in New Orleans; Editing by Toby Davis)