Aaron Rodgers Recounts Missed Opportunity for NFL International Week

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers has revealed that past collective bargaining agreement (CBA) negotiations with the NFL included discussions about establishing a dedicated international week, featuring games across 16 different global locations. Rodgers expressed regret that this expansion of the league's international presence did not materialize, suggesting that owners' focus on revenue generation hindered the plan.

Rodgers, in his 22nd year in the NFL, commented on the league's international games following the Pittsburgh Steelers' recent game in France against the New Orleans Saints. He stated that during the 2011 CBA talks, there was significant consideration given to increasing the number of international games. "I remember the 2011 CBA... there was talk about more games, expanding the amount of international games," Rodgers said.

He further elaborated on the proposed concept: "There was talk about doing a week, an international week where you had games in 16 different places, and you just added an extra bye-week." Rodgers envisioned this as a way to play 16 regular-season games, with one of those weeks dedicated to international play, providing teams with two bye weeks total. "I think it'd been phenomenal for the game," he added.

Rodgers contrasted this missed opportunity with the league's current push for a 17-game season, which he attributed to the owners' desire for additional revenue. "Now that the owners want to push for 17 games for the, you know, extra revenue and because they care so much about player safety, it [the international week] would have been nice," Rodgers commented, appearing to make a veiled criticism of the owners' priorities.

The quarterback suggested numerous potential locations for these international games, including Canada, Mexico, Brazil, and various countries in Europe such as Ireland, France, Spain, Germany, and England. He also pointed to emerging markets like Dubai as potential venues, citing their growing interest in sporting events.

Rodgers also advocated for a league mandate requiring teams to spend additional time in the host cities to engage with the local culture and communities. "I wish there was a mandate, though, from the league, and they would have to open up their pocketbooks too," he said. "But, I think they should mandate every team coming over Sunday or Monday to really enjoy the culture and the place you're going. And you can do events in those cities and outreach stuff in community work. But they won't because they're a little tight."

Rodgers' comments highlight a perceived tension between the NFL's ambition for global expansion and the financial considerations that he believes influence decisions made by team owners and the league itself. He suggested that the league's reluctance to implement such a plan stems from a desire to avoid increased spending. This sentiment underscores his view that the NFL's potential for international growth has been curtailed by a focus on immediate financial gain rather than broader strategic development of the sport abroad.