Aaron Rodgers’ idea to play every NFL international game in one week deemed a ‘nonsensical concept’
Rodgers outlines his proposal
After Pittsburgh beat New Orleans 16-10 in Paris, Rodgers recalled discussion of grouping the NFL’s international games into one week. His suggested format included 16 games in 16 locations and an additional bye week.
Rodgers said the league could play 16 regular-season weeks and have two byes, one aligned with the international games. He argued the approach could benefit the sport and its expansion, while suggesting owners favored 17 games for added revenue.
League sources reject the plan
Mark Maske of Front Office Sports reported that NFL executives and owners were not receptive to Rodgers’ idea. One source described it as a “nonsensical concept,” telling FOS that teams would compete against themselves.
CBA limits international scheduling
The current collective bargaining agreement says that when the regular season has 17 games, the extra week cannot consist entirely of international games. That provision rules out the all-international week Rodgers described.
The NFL currently stages nine international games over the season, in locations including Australia, Brazil, London and Madrid. The league is considering a move to 10, which the article identifies as the maximum allowed under the CBA.
Key points
- Rodgers proposed putting all NFL international games in one week, with an extra bye week.
- League sources rejected his proposal and disputed that it had been discussed.
- The collective bargaining agreement bars the extra week from being entirely international games.
- The NFL has nine international games and is considering expanding to 10.