For the longest time, the NFL regular season consisted of 16 games, but in the 2021 season, one additional game was added to the schedule. According to sources, the reported 18th game is not far behind, as stakeholders begin conversations.
The NFL and the franchise owners wanted to increase the number of games, per ESPN. However, the NFL Players Association (NFLPA) has been blocking this idea. As per the Washington Post, the meetings have begun to take serious steps in the right direction.
NFLPA’s executive director Lloyd Howell Jr. and others have started talks with the organization, though nothing is formal.
“We have talked at a very, very, very high level superficially, with a recognition … about, ‘Yeah, this is something that we should be talking about. And we should really kick the tires and understand what else goes into that decision-making process,’” Howell said to the Washington Post.
“Where does the 18th game come from?”, continued Howell. “I think the foregone conclusion is well, you just grab it, like, in what would otherwise be [preseason games] in August. You play it forward. But these are details that really need to be fleshed out.
“But, again, there are other economic, health and safety matters that also need to be clear to our members before there’s ever an agreement about an 18th game.”
The NFL collective bargaining agreement, signed in 2021, forbids the league from holding the 18th game. It is slated to expire in 2030, and all sides would prefer to complete the 18th game before then. Any ultimate agreement negotiated by the NFLPA, the NFL, and the owners must be approved by the players before it goes into effect.
Joe Burrow shared his take on the 18th game
The Cincinnati Bengals’ superstar Joe Burrow during his appearance on the ‘Pardon My Take’ podcast earlier this month, shared his ideas on the 18th game. Burrow wants two bye weeks and week 13 to be declared as the Pro Bowl week.
18 games? 2 bye weeks
— Joey Burrow (@JoeyB) April 26, 2024
However, former Super Bowl winner Chase Daniel shared his dissatisfaction with the entire 18-game season. The quarterback suggested that the NFLPA would be in ‘damage control’ mode because of Burrow’s words.
