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Aaron Rodgers wants the NFL to push the boundaries of American football even further.
But behind his idea of organizing a full week of games abroad, the Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback also took several jabs at team owners, whom he indirectly accuses of not investing enough in certain initiatives.
He made these comments after the game between the Steelers and the New Orleans Saints, played in Paris. This historic game marked the first NFL regular-season game ever held in France.
The league is stepping up its efforts to grow its international popularity. This season, nine games are scheduled to be played in seven countries—a record for the league. Rodgers believes, however, that the potential for growth is even greater.
According to him, a proposal discussed during previous negotiations between the NFL and the Players Association could have made it possible to organize a full international week.
The concept would have involved hosting games in 16 different cities, while adding a week off to the schedule. Teams would thus have played a 16-week regular season, with two weeks of rest instead of just one.
Rodgers believes this format would have been an excellent opportunity to introduce American football to new audiences without necessarily overburdening the players' schedule.
He also mentioned several potential destinations for hosting games, including Mexico, Brazil, Ireland, England, Spain, and Germany. Other markets, such as the United Arab Emirates or an additional South American country, could also be considered.
Aaron Rodgers Takes Aim at NFL Owners
The Pittsburgh veteran did not, however, limit his comments to international expansion. He also criticized the owners' decisions, suggesting that their financial concerns sometimes take precedence over their rhetoric regarding player safety.
Rodgers notably pointed out that adding a 17th regular-season game had generated additional revenue for the teams. He was sarcastic about the emphasis placed on player health in the arguments used to justify certain decisions.
International Travel That Could Go Further
The quarterback would also like the NFL to require visiting teams to engage more fully with the cities they visit. In particular, he proposes organizing community activities, public events, and opportunities to experience the local culture.
In his view, organizations should have the necessary resources to allow players and their families to fully enjoy these experiences.
The trip to Paris, however, took place amid a delicate situation marked by protests and social tensions. Several activities planned by the NFL were canceled, while players and their families limited their outings.
Despite these challenges, Rodgers remains convinced that a better-organized international expansion could benefit American football and strengthen its global presence.
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