The NFL has been testing the public relations waters in floating an 18-game schedule.
Ryan Kelly is here for the counterpoint. The Pro Bowl center and NFLPA representative for the Indianapolis Colts spoke candidly against an expanded schedule on Wednesday. He’s “absolutely not” interested in an 18-game slate or commissioner Roger Goodell’s effort’s to push one.
Colts NFLPA rep Ryan Kelly fielding a ton of 18-game related questions today.
On if Kelly would want that: “Absolutely not.” pic.twitter.com/a3OfSQVjhH
— Kevin Bowen (@KBowen1070) June 5, 2024
“Yeah, 18 games sounds great when Roger is saying it on the Pat McAfee podcast,” Kelly said in a post-practice media scrum from Colts minicamp. “But until you’re the one going out there and putting a helmet on for 18 of those games, yeah, then come talk to me.”
Roger, in this instance, is Roger Goodell. Kelly, who’s also a vice president on the NFLPA’s executive committee, was referring to Goodell’s appearance on the “The Pat McAfee Show” in April at the NFL draft in Detroit.
Speaking to McAfee in front a crowd of fans, Goodell took on the role of cheerleader in promoting an 18-game schedule.
“I think we’re good at 17 (games) now, but… I’m not a fan of the preseason… I’d rather replace a preseason game with a regular-season any day… If we got to 18 (regular season) and 2 (preseason), that’s not an unreasonable thing.” – Roger Goodell pic.twitter.com/4QxyVGppMq
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) April 26, 2024
“I think we’re good at 17 now,” Goodell said. “But, listen, we’re looking at how we continue. I’m not a fan of the preseason. I don’t think we need three preseason games anymore. I don’t buy it.”
Goodell then turned and pointed to the crowd.
“I don’t think these guys like it either,” he continued. … “The reality is, I think I’d rather replace a preseason game with a regular-season game any day. That’s picking quality, right? If we got to 18-2, that’s not an unreasonable thing.”
Goodell got no pushback…
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