Patrick Mahomes, quarterback for the Kansas City Chiefs, did not like the NFL’s idea of increasing the maximum number of appearances for teams on Thursday Night Football from one to two. He used social media to react against the proposal.
The league is being questioned due to the short break between Sunday’s and Thursday’s game. The tight window limits athletes’ planning and recovery.
????????♂️ https://t.co/7kIyOGpOvV
— Patrick Mahomes II (@PatrickMahomes) March 28, 2023
Commissioner Roger Goodell insisted that the NFL is not prioritizing a broadcast partner over player health and safety.
“I don’t think we’re putting Amazon above our players. We analyzed the data for injuries and impact on players. I think we have very clear data that doesn’t show a higher injury rate,” Goodell said, according to ESPN’s Brooke Pryor.
The executive said he heard athletes who are in favor of the short week. “They have 10 days later. So there are some benefits on that side,” he said.
NFL Director of Media and Business Brian Rolapp added, “These national windows are for clubs that are playing well. We want to put the best teams in the best windows.”
After the change, it is believed that the league could approve the easing of TNF games, which was scheduled at least until May.
New York Giants co-owner John Mara “vehemently opposes” TNF’s easing, calling it an “abusive” proposition to season ticket holders, according to Pat Leonard of the New York Daily News.
Goodell disagreed with Mara’s comments, saying the league was trying to balance the best interests of fans in the stadium and those watching on television.
“There is no one in our organization who doesn’t put our fans first. Providing the best matches for our fans is what we do.”
In addition to Mahomes, other current and former players have expressed displeasure with the move, including three-time Defensive Player of the Year JJ Watt.
Foto: Douglas P. DeFelice / Getty Images
