The NFL didn’t make sweeping changes to its entire structure often during the 20th century. They moved from 12 games to 14 games in 1960. It wasn’t until 18 years later, in 1978, that they moved to 16 games. That schedule length would last over four decades until 2021, when the 17-game season was implemented. However, most experts realized the true intent of the league was ultimately to go for an 18-game schedule. Owners wanted a bigger piece of the television revenue, which could only happen by expanding the number of regular season games played. Many players on the Chicago Bears roster and elsewhere are resistant to this idea.
After all, these games are violent and physical. Injuries are a regular fact of life in football. Common sense dictates that the more games you play, the more wear and tear on your body. Players have every reason to fight back against the NFL’s push for 18 games. Well, it appears the league has begun making inroads on the subject. According to Mark Maske of the Washington Post, discussions have begun between them and the NFL Players Association about what must be done to make it a reality.
“The NFL Players Association has engaged in high-level discussions with the NFL about the potential implementation of an 18-game regular season, the union’s executive director said.
Lloyd Howell said during a meeting Monday with Washington Post reporters and editors at the NFLPA’s headquarters in D.C. that the talks between the union and the league have not yet progressed to formal negotiations. But the discussions between the sides, which have not been previously reported, indicate the latest pursuit by the league and team owners of an 18-game season has moved beyond the hypothetical stage.”
Most experts agree an 18-game schedule is all but inevitable. The owners want it. That means unless the players are willing to force their hand with a strike, it is going to happen. It will come down to how much their leadership can get back in any deal. One obvious starting point is the installation of a second bye week. That would allow extra time for bodies to heal during such a long season. They should push for a piece of the bigger financial pie, perhaps through higher guarantees in contracts.
Much depends on how strong their leadership is. Recent history suggests that isn’t great news for Chicago Bears players and others. NFLPA decision-makers seem to have been on their heels when going against the league for years, making concessions that previous generations never would’ve accepted. One tactic the NFL loves to use is swaying the lower class of players, journeyman vets, and college free agents with considerable pay bumps. It doesn’t cost nearly as much as other concessions would and kneecaps any negotiating leverage the NFLPA might have.
This feels like only a matter of time.
