Aaron Rodgers Calls for NFL to Mandate International Trips, Criticizes Owners
The veteran quarterback, speaking after a win in Paris, advocated for longer international stays and took aim at owners over revenue decisions.
Following the Pittsburgh Steelers' 16-10 victory over the New Orleans Saints in Paris, quarterback Aaron Rodgers voiced strong criticism of the NFL and its owners, advocating for mandatory week-long stays for international games and suggesting that owners prioritize revenue over player well-being.
Rodgers referenced the 2021 Collective Bargaining Agreement, which expanded the NFL season to 17 games over 18 weeks. He proposed that a 16-game schedule with two bye weeks per team, including a dedicated international week, would have been a more beneficial structure for the league and the game itself.
"I think it would have been phenomenal for the game," Rodgers stated at a press conference. "Now the owners wanted to push for 17 games for the extra revenue and because they care so much about player safety." He suggested that a mandatory international week would benefit the game's expansion and allow teams to immerse themselves in local culture, engage in community outreach, and participate in city events.
Rodgers criticized the league's approach to international games, noting the Steelers' brief two-and-a-half-day stay in Paris. "But they won’t because they are tight [on money]," he added, implying that owners are reluctant to spend more on international ventures. The Steelers arrived in Paris on Friday morning and departed on Sunday after the game, facing a quick turnaround for their next home game against the Browns.
Steelers coach Mike McCarthy echoed Rodgers' sentiment regarding the short preparation time for international games. "I’d like to be in France for a week," McCarthy said. "I’ve never been here before, but I think you do what you feel is best to win the game." The Saints, by contrast, arrived in France the previous Sunday, spending the entire week preparing for the matchup.
Rodgers' remarks come after a period where the NFL has emphasized international growth, with multiple games scheduled in London, Germany, and Mexico in recent seasons, in addition to the Paris game. The quarterback's comments highlight a potential tension between the league's business objectives and player welfare concerns.