Getty Image
It’s only been a few years since the NFL expanded its season to 17 games, and it sounds like it’s only a matter of time until that number grows yet again now that the NFLPA has acknowledged it’s begun to engage in talks with the league about a longer schedule.
The NFL officially adopted a 16-game schedule in 1978 and was content with that particular format for over 40 years. However, it also experienced a massive amount of growth over that span and eventually realized it was leaving a fair amount of money on the table by sticking with that format.
In 2020, the NFLPA had its players vote on a proposal to expand the regular season to 17 games while reducing the number of preseason games from four to three, and that format officially went into effect in 2021 after the measure narrowly passed with 51.5% of the vote.
I’d argue the players association found itself with a bit of an If You Give A Mouse A Cookie situation on its hands, as it didn’t take very long for some powerful figures to start discussing the possibility of an 18-game slate—an idea that already appears to be gaining some steam.
According to The Washington Post, NFLPA executive director Lloyd Howell recently acknowledged his organization has had some “very, very, very high level” talks with the powers that be in the NFL headquarters about a potential 18-game schedule.
Based on his account of those conversations, it appears the move would either see the preseason getting shifted to earlier on the calendar or involve the elimination of another game. However, Howell stressed “these are details that really need to be fleshed out” while emphasizing the “other economic, health and safety matters” that need to be taken into consideration.
It initially seemed like any potential adoption would have to wait until the current CBA expires in 2030, but Howell also said the change could go into effect if it garners enough support among players before them.
Only time will tell how things will eventually play out, but there is one major reason an 18-game schedule will probably have the overwhelming support of NFL fans: it would likely lead to the Super Bowl being played on the Sunday before Presidents’ Day, which means we’d finally live in a world where you don’t have to worry about nursing a hangover at work the morning after.